The proposed Rapid Transit System (RTS) connecting Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia may soon become a reality, as both governments are expected to appoint a foreign consultant that will conduct a detailed survey of the project.
According to The Business Times Malaysia, the study will likely take 12 months to identify the best options and the total cost of the development.
Both countries are still deciding whether to build underground tunnels linking the cities or an elevated rail and road link. A source said the study will “indicate whether it will be viable to have Johor Bahru and Singapore connected by both rail and road.”
The original plans state that Singapore and Johor Bahru will be connected via a rail network and the two governments are expected to spend up to S$4 billion for the project, the source added.
However, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak (pictured) announced in January that they are considering an underground road link to be included.
“The project cost has not been discussed by both the governments. The budget can only be estimated after the conclusion of the study by the consultant,” noted the source.
“If both the rail and road tunnels are approved, each will be independent from the other for safety reasons. They will not be connected.”
Currently, Singapore and Malaysia are linked via the Singapore-Johor Causeway as well as the Second Link.
Both countries are expected to launch the tenders for the project through the Joint Ministerial Committee in H2 2013.
The project could be operational by 2018.
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