About two-thirds of civil infrastructure works on the Singapore side of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link have been completed, with passenger service slated to start by December 2026.
The transport ministries of both countries said a significant construction milestone was reached at the end of December 2023, with the completion of a 17.1m-long concrete span connecting the Singapore and Malaysian ends of a rail viaduct.
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The transport ministries of both countries said a significant construction milestone was reached at the end of December 2023, with the completion of a 17.1m-long concrete span connecting the Singapore and Malaysian ends of a rail viaduct.
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SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar
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NewsTranscript
00:00 Today marks a significant milestone with the completion of the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link
00:06 project's connecting span, commemorated by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore.
00:11 We are honoured to host our Singaporean friends in this meaningful event that symbolises the
00:18 enduring partnership between Malaysia and Singapore. Our collaborative efforts in realising
00:24 the RTS Link reflect our dedication to improving the lives of our people. I am pleased to share
00:32 that the railway infrastructure construction is progressing as scheduled towards the December
00:38 2024 completion target, after which the next phase will begin involving system works.
00:44 Since 100 years ago, Malaysia and Singapore have been connected by the Causeway Rail Line
00:53 and motorway bridge across the streets of Johor. Today, we celebrate another landmark moment with
00:59 the RTS Link, a modern rail connection that will serve our communities for another century.
01:06 Every day, 350,000 people cross the Causeway for work, education and social visits. We must
01:15 ensure that our infrastructure meets the demands of one of the world's busiest border crossings.
01:22 The RTS Link, once operational, will reduce congestion on the Causeway by 35%. Furthermore,
01:29 future cross-border travellers can enjoy an enhanced travelling experience come 1 January
01:36 2027, with only 15 minutes to cross the border via the RTS Link. A seamless passenger experience
01:45 has been designed to provide a smooth travel journey. The RTS Link is poised to be a major
01:52 driver for socio-economic development and future initiatives along the economic corridor,
01:57 fostering prosperity for the next generation. Today's event is a significant milestone that
02:04 brings us closer to the completion of the RTS Link project by end 2026.
02:11 As a third land connection, the RTS Link will make travel between our two countries
02:16 more convenient, and benefit both Singaporeans and Malaysians. Many Singaporeans, including
02:22 my residents from Bishan-Torpayoh, are looking forward to travelling on the RTS Link to Johor
02:27 Baruk. They can take the MRT on the Thomson East Coast Line to Woodlands North MRT station,
02:34 clear immigration and arrive in JB after a 5-minute ride on the RTS Link train.
02:40 We have been making good progress on the RTS Link, thanks to the excellent teamwork
02:47 by the project and engineering teams from both countries. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other
02:54 challenges, they have soldiered on and worked well together. And today's milestone is a testament
03:01 to their efforts. Ladies and gentlemen, this project is much more than building bridges.
03:08 It is about building stronger ties between the people of Singapore and the people of Malaysia.
03:14 It is also about building a better future for both countries, strengthening our long-standing
03:21 friendship and creating more win-win opportunities for our businesses and citizens in areas of common
03:27 interest and mutual benefit. With good bilateral ties, this same approach can be extended to other
03:36 areas and future projects between our two countries.