Construction of Singapore-Malaysia train link suspended

View of Johor Bahru from Singapore

Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to defer construction of a cross-border Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link connecting Woodlands North station on Singapore’s Thomson-East Coast MRT line to Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru until September 30 this year.

Malaysia will reimburse Singapore around S$600,000 (US$435,255) in costs incurred as a result of the six-month suspension.

View of Johor Bahru from Singapore

During the six months, Malaysia will decide whether it will proceed with the RTS Link project as it is or propose changes to the project scope, for which Singapore will give due consideration, reported Channel News Asia, quoting Singapore’s transport minister Khaw Boon Wan.

In a joint statement following the signing of an agreement to defer construction of the MRT link on May 21, both countries said that their respective transport ministers “recognised the urgent need to alleviate traffic congestion at the Johor Baru-Singapore Causeway which facilitates about 300,000 crossings daily”.

The governments will explore further initiatives, including the use of new technology, for enhanced security and checkpoint efficiency.

The Straits Times reported Anthony Loke, Malaysia’s transport minister, to have said that the Malaysian government was also looking at getting the private sector involved in the project.

Sponsored Post