Railway Infrastructure of Johor-Singapore RTS over 70% complete, says Transport Minister

JOHOR BARU: The railway infrastructure of Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), which connects Johor and Singapore by rail, is about 70% complete, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the construction of the mega project’s railway infrastructure had reached 70.45% as of March 31, exceeding the scheduled 67.06%.

“The government is working towards (realising) the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone initiative, which will boost the socio-economic development of Greater Johor Baru.

“Public transportation - including the RTS Link - is an important component for us to achieve that vision and mission,” he said.

Loke said this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd here on Thursday (April 25).

The agreement concerns the development of a pedestrian overhead bridge connecting Coronation Square to the RTS Link Bukit Chagar Station.

When asked about the state government's proposed elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system to ease traffic congestion in Johor Baru, Loke said the federal government is studying the matter.

“There is a need to provide an integrated public transport system for the people, but the proposal is still being looked at,” he added.

On April 16, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi reportedly said the proposal had received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.