RTS Link Project Gears Up for December Trial Phase, Full Launch Targeted for 2027

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 3 — The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project is moving closer to reality, with the first round of system trials expected to begin this December. According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, these initial tests will be conducted without passengers as part of crucial system integration and safety evaluations before public operations commence.

The minister shared that the first RTS train is scheduled to arrive at the Wadi Hana Depot by mid-November. “In the next two weeks, the first train will be sent to the depot. If everything stays on track, the public will be able to see the train in motion by December — though it won’t be open for ridership yet,” said Loke during a site visit to the Bukit Chagar Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex.

At present, the project’s three major components are showing strong progress:

• RTS Link Depot: 90% completion

• Bukit Chagar Station: 73% completion

• ICQ Complex: 76.8% completion

Loke reaffirmed that the project remains on schedule for full completion by December 2026, with operations officially starting in January 2027. “This is a major cross-border project that requires continuous coordination between Malaysia and Singapore. We’re monitoring progress every three months to ensure timely delivery,” he said.

RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin also reported that overall system and operational works are 65% complete and progressing smoothly. The first RTS train, currently at Singapore’s rail test track, will be transported to Johor this month. Three more train sets from Batu Gajah will follow, bringing the total to eight train sets, each consisting of four coaches.

“The close coordination between Malaysia and Singapore is the reason this project is advancing according to plan,” said Dr Ahmad. He also noted that fault-free test runs are scheduled to take place from July 2026, leading up to a comprehensive integration phase involving both nations’ customs, immigration, and security agencies.

How This Project Impacts Malaysia’s Commercial and Industrial Property Market

The RTS Link is widely expected to transform Johor Bahru’s property landscape, especially around Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North, by improving cross-border commuting and attracting new investments from Singapore. Improved accessibility could have a ripple effect reaching as far as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, stimulating demand for industrial land in Selangor, commercial property in KL, and office space in Bukit Jalil as businesses expand regionally.

Similarly, sectors focused on logistics, warehousing, and light manufacturing may experience rising interest in factories in Puchong and industrial properties in Shah Alam, as improved transport infrastructure often drives both foreign and local investor confidence.

With the RTS Link nearing completion, Malaysia’s industrial corridor continues to strengthen — positioning the southern region as a vital gateway for trade, investment, and regional mobility.