{
  "id": 12370948,
  "title": "‘Many complex engineering challenges’ behind Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link: Operator",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/many-complex-engineering-challenges-behind-johor-bahru-singapore-rts",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-06T11:49:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/johor-singapore-rts-link-delay-engineering-challenges-6436231"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, expected to begin passenger services in February 2027, faces numerous complex engineering challenges, according to RTSO CEO Marzuki Ariffin. The 4km rail link, connecting Singapore's Woodlands North station to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, appears straightforward with only two stations. However, careful engineering is crucial for a safe and reliable journey. Marzuki highlighted the gradient of the elevated rail structure, which can reach 3 percent, along with the impact of wet weather on grip between wheels and rails. He emphasized that addressing these issues requires thorough design, testing, and coordination between track design, braking, and signalling systems. Marzuki also thanked engineers and project teams from both countries for their efforts, noting that final system tests and trial runs are expected to be completed by December 31, 2026. The service aims to open before Hari Raya Puasa, which falls on March 10, 2027.",
  "summary": "“(It) may seem relatively straightforward, as it only has two stations. But a safe and reliable journey depends on careful engineering,” says the CEO of RTSO, the rail link operator.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : RTS Link: The Engineering Challenges Behind A Safe Cross-border Journey",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/general-rts-link-the-engineering-challenges-behind-a-safe-cross",
        "published": "2026-10-06T09:26:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}