JB-S’pore RTS Link: Seems straightforward but faces complex engineering challenges, says RTSO CEO

The CEO of RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), the operator of the long-awaited Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, shared about the engineering challenges that the project faces.

Marzuki Ariffin wrote in a post that while the RTS Link seems "relatively straightforward" as it has only two stations, the challenges that it faces require "careful engineering".

Marzuki stated that the viaduct had a 3 per cent gradient.

Trains have to descend along this slope from the bridge's higher point down to ground level.

However, he pointed out that this adds further design considerations to ensure that the train is able to maintain a safe speed and stop smoothly and accurately.

This requires careful coordination of the track design and braking and signalling systems, he claimed.

Another challenge comes in the form of wet weather, as rain reduces friction and affects how trains accelerate and brake.

"This is just one example of the engineering solutioning that must be accomplished for every safe and comfortable journey. It involves many hours of design thinking, testing and teamwork."

He then thanked the partners and stakeholders involved in the project, including Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia's Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

RTS opening delayed till Feb. 2027

RTSO is a joint venture between Malaysia's Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Singapore's SMRT Corporation. They own 52 and 48 per cent of the venture respectively.

Marzuki's comments come in the wake of a further delay announced for the RTS Link project on Friday (Oct 2).

Initially slated to open by the end of December 2026, the opening date was delayed to February 2027.

More time is needed to obtain independent safety certification and secure regulatory approvals, the Singapore and Malaysia authorities said.

History

The RTS project has been delayed and restarted several times over more than a decade.

Plans were discussed and initiated since 2010 and finally signed in 2018, but suspended from 2019 to 2020 after Malaysian political party Pakatan Harapan (PH) formed a new government and curbed spending.

It was then restarted with a final targeted opening of end-2026, before the most recent wave of delay.