RTS Link timeline: From 2010 announcement to 2027 launch target

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has been more than 16 years in the making, with the project undergoing several changes, a suspension and revised timelines since it was first announced in 2010.

The 4km cross-border rail link will connect Woodlands North in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, with the journey expected to take around five minutes.

Following RTS Operations' announcement on Oct 2 that passenger service is expected to begin in February 2027, here is a look at the key milestones in the RTS Link's development.

Timeline of RTS Link

May 2010: RTS Link first announced, with a target completion date of 2018.

January 2019: Then Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the project was behind schedule and could be delayed beyond 2024.

April 2019: The project was suspended for six months at Malaysia's request as both sides reviewed its scope, structure and costs.

July 2020: The project was officially resumed. Under the revised plans, the RTS Link would connect Woodlands North in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.

March 2023: Piling works for the RTS Link's Singapore section were completed, marking a key construction milestone for the project.

January 2024: Singapore and Malaysia marked the completion of the connecting span across the Straits of Johor, linking the two sides of the RTS Link.

November 2024: More than four-fifths of Singapore's civil infrastructure works had been completed, while Malaysian railway civil infrastructure works had reached 93 per cent completion.

June 2025: The first RTS Link train was unveiled at the Singapore Rail Test Centre. RTSO said rail systems works were around 56 per cent complete.

July 2025: Senior Minister K Shanmugam said the RTS Link was targeted to begin operations at the end of 2026, with preparations well underway.

February 2026: The first RTS Link train arrived at Woodlands North Station for testing.

April 2026: The Cross-Border Railways (Border Control Co-location) Bill was introduced in Parliament, setting out arrangements for co-located immigration, customs and quarantine facilities at both RTS Link stations.

May 2026: The Bill was passed following its Second Reading and wrap-up debate in Parliament.

June 2026: Law and Home Affairs Minister Edwin Tong visited Woodlands North Station as construction and preparations for the new cross-border rail service continued.

September 2026: LTA announced the completion of Woodlands North Station, with its Temporary Occupation Permit obtained.

October 2026: RTSO said all system tests and trial runs are expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2026. Taking into account the expected duration of the remaining works, third-party safety certification and approvals from both grantors, passenger service is currently expected to commence in February 2027.

asyiqin.nadzri@asiaone.com

新山-新加坡快速交通系统（RTS）连接线项目历经16年多的筹备，自2010年首次宣布以来，该项目经历了多次变更、暂停和时间表的修改。

这条4公里长的跨境铁路将连接新加坡兀兰北和柔佛新山武吉查卡，预计全程大约需要5分钟。

继RTS运营公司于10月2日宣布预计将于2027年2月开始提供客运服务之后，以下是RTS Link发展历程中的关键里程碑。

RTS Link 的时间线

2010 年 5 月：RTS Link 项目首次公布，目标完成日期为 2018 年。

2019 年 1 月：时任交通部长许文远表示，该项目进度落后，可能会推迟到 2024 年以后。

2019 年 4 月：应马来西亚的要求，该项目暂停六个月，以便双方审查其范围、结构和成本。

2020年7月：该项目正式恢复。根据修订后的计划，RTS Link将连接新加坡兀兰北站和柔佛新山武吉查卡站。

2023 年 3 月：RTS Link 新加坡段的桩基工程竣工，标志着该项目建设取得了重大进展。

2024 年 1 月：新加坡和马来西亚庆祝了连接柔佛海峡两岸的桥梁竣工，连接了 RTS Link 的两岸。

2024 年 11 月：新加坡超过五分之四的民用基础设施工程已经完成，而马来西亚铁路民用基础设施工程已完成 93%。

2025年6月：首列RTS Link列车在新加坡铁路测试中心亮相。RTSO表示，铁路系统工程已完成约56%。

2025 年 7 月：高级部长尚穆根表示，RTS Link 计划于 2026 年底开始运营，目前各项准备工作正在顺利进行中。

2026 年 2 月：首列 RTS Link 列车抵达兀兰北站进行测试。

2026 年 4 月：《跨境铁路（边境管制合设）法案》提交议会，规定了在 RTS Link 两个车站设立合设的移民、海关和检疫设施的安排。

2026 年 5 月：该法案在议会经过二读和总结辩论后获得通过。

2026 年 6 月：律政兼内政部长唐振辉视察兀兰北站，当时新的跨境铁路服务的建设和准备工作仍在继续。

2026 年 9 月：陆路交通管理局宣布兀兰北站竣工，并已获得临时占用许可证。

2026年10月：RTSO表示，所有系统测试和试运行预计将于2026年12月31日完成。考虑到剩余工程的预计工期、第三方安全认证以及双方拨款方的批准，目前预计客运服务将于2027年2月开始。

asyiqin.nadzri@asiaone.com