The future of travel between Malaysia and Singapore just took a giant leap forward—but it’s not without its challenges. The RTS Link project, a groundbreaking rail connection between Johor Bahru and Singapore, has entered a make-or-break phase as the first train set arrived in Johor for testing. This marks a pivotal moment in the project’s timeline, but here’s where it gets controversial: Can this ambitious endeavor truly meet its safety and operational standards while staying on schedule? Let’s dive in.
On Saturday, November 15, Train Set 02 made history as the first four-car train to reach the Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Bahru, signaling the project’s transition into the pre-operational phase. This wasn’t just a routine delivery—it was a meticulously planned, 541-kilometer journey from the CRRC Rolling Stock Centre in Batu Gajah, Perak, to Johor, completed at an average speed of 70 km/h. The train arrived at midnight, transported on four low-loader trailer trucks, after stopovers in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and the Kempas Toll for rigorous safety inspections. And this is the part most people miss: Every hook-up point was re-inspected to ensure nothing had loosened during transit, highlighting the extreme caution taken to protect this multimillion-dollar cargo.
Dr. Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin, CEO of RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), emphasized the complexity of the operation, stating, ‘The delivery of this train marks the beginning of system testing and integration to ensure flawless functionality and compliance with safety standards.’ But here’s the kicker: With eight train sets, each weighing 32 tonnes per coach, being lowered onto the tracks using heavy cranes, the stability of the depot ground has been a silent hero in this story. Is the infrastructure truly ready for such a massive undertaking?
RTSO collaborated closely with CRRC and MRT Corp to ensure a smooth route and a safely prepared depot site. However, the real test begins now. Four train sets will be stationed at the Wadi Hana Depot, which doubles as the central maintenance facility and operational hub, while the remaining four are expected to arrive by December 2025. The four-kilometer RTS Link, connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, is slated for completion in December 2026, with operations starting in early 2027. But here’s the bold question: Can it really handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, as projected?
As a joint venture between Prasarana RTS Operations Sdn. Bhd. and SMRT RTS Pte Ltd, RTSO is responsible for owning, designing, building, and financing the operational assets of the RTS Link. While the project promises to revolutionize cross-border travel, it’s not without skeptics. Do you think the RTS Link will live up to the hype, or are there hidden challenges we’re not talking about? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!