RTS Link Marks Structural Completion of Bukit Chagar ICQC
The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project has reached a significant milestone with the structural completion of the Immigration, Customs and Quarantine Complex (ICQC) at Bukit Chagar. This marks a key step toward the targeted start of operations in early 2027.
The milestone was celebrated with a topping-out ceremony led by MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim and contractor IJM Construction Sdn Bhd, marking the transition to the next stage—final design fit-out and facade installation, scheduled to begin in September 2025.
A First for Southeast Asia: Co-Located Clearance
The Bukit Chagar ICQC will be the first facility in Southeast Asia to feature co-located immigration clearance for both Malaysian and Singaporean authorities. This means passengers will complete all customs and immigration procedures in one location before boarding, significantly reducing travel times and making cross-border commuting more seamless.
Mohd Zarif credited the progress to the “collective determination, professionalism, coordination and technical excellence” of the project’s teams, noting that the ICQC is a nationally strategic infrastructure project that will transform cross-border mobility.
Other RTS Project Components Moving Ahead
Beyond the ICQC, several other key elements of the RTS Link are advancing:
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Marine Viaduct, Bukit Chagar Station, and Wadi Hana Depot structural works are complete.
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Interior works at the Wadi Hana Depot are on track for completion by December 2025.
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Signature roof facade installation is underway at Bukit Chagar Station.
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Power supply to the Wadi Hana Depot was energised in June 2025, two months ahead of schedule, enabling early systems testing preparations.
The next major milestone will be dynamic testing of the RTS train system in May 2026, with trains running the full 4km alignment between Bukit Chagar and Singapore’s Woodlands North station for operational validation.
A Game Changer for Cross-Border Travel
Once operational, the RTS Link will be able to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with an estimated daily ridership of 40,000 passengers. The journey between Johor Bahru and Singapore will take only a few minutes, bypassing the frequently congested land checkpoints.
This improved accessibility is expected to:
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Boost Johor Bahru’s appeal to Singaporean residents seeking more affordable housing.
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Increase rental demand in areas near Bukit Chagar and along the RTS alignment.
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Strengthen commercial activity and tourism flows between both cities.
Property Investment Implications
The RTS Link’s progress is already influencing the Johor property market, especially in the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) and surrounding neighbourhoods. Investors can expect:
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Capital appreciation for properties within walking distance of Bukit Chagar Station.
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Higher rental yields driven by increased demand from commuters and expatriates.
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Spillover benefits for Kuala Lumpur property investors, as improved cross-border access enhances Malaysia’s overall appeal to foreign buyers.
Given its strategic role in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the RTS Link is not only a transportation project but also a catalyst for regional economic growth and long-term real estate value creation.
Stay ahead of the curve.
With the RTS Link moving steadily toward completion, now is the time to explore property opportunities in Johor Bahru’s transit-oriented hubs and KL’s high-growth districts. Discover expert insights and curated listings at klproperty.cc—your guide to smarter cross-border investment.
