Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also noted that the structure would disrupt the city skyline along the Johor Straits.
Although he welcomes the project, the Sultan of Johor has slammed the proposed design of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) rail track between Singapore and Johor Bahru, saying it is unsustainable, impractical and potentially costly, reported the New Straits Times.
“Why do we have to have a curved design when we can have a more practical design that is straighter and closer to the Causeway?… Why do they need an elevated bridge with up to 30m air draft (clearance height from water to a vessel’s height) unless there are plans to remove the Causeway?” asked Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
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He also noted that the bridge disrupts the city skyline along the Johor Straits, “and we are talking about a permanent fixture here. Go back to the drawing board and review the overall plan”.
According to him, the parties involved should consult him. “Whatever (new plan) is presented to me, it will have to be logical, economical and sustainable for the benefit of not only Johoreans but all Malaysians and Singaporeans,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim suggested for the new design to be the same height as the Causeway or slightly elevated.
He also questioned the need to have separate contractors build parts of the link within the two countries. Instead, he proposed to engage a single contractor via a joint venture between the two countries for the project.
Announced seven years ago, the RTS rail link is expected to commence passenger service by December 2024, with terminus stations at Woodlands, Singapore and Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru.
The RTS is set to accommodate up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
