Johor On Track To Become Major Rail Hub In Malaysia

Johor is set to become a major rail hub in Malaysia in the coming years, according to State Works, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Communication Committee Chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

Mohamad Fazli, who spoke to The Star believes that the completion of two ongoing rail projects in the state will improve connectivity and drive economic development.

“The first is the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Rail Project (Gemas-JB EDTP), which officially began construction in January 2018. “This project aims to upgrade the existing single-track railway between Gemas and Johor Baru to a double-track electrified system, spanning approximately 192km and covering key districts such as Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Baru,” he added.

The Gemas-JB EDTP, which is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year, would supplement the Electric Train Service (ETS), which operates from Padang Besar in Perlis to Gemas in Negri Sembilan.

According to Mohamad Fazli, the Segamat station is the first in Johor to open since March 15, and additional stations along the route will follow suit before reaching the last stop at JB Sentral.

He noted that there are 11 stops along the 192-kilometer route between Gemas and Johor Baru, including areas such as Segamat, Kluang, and Kulai, including Segamat, Genuang, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Mengkibol, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, and Kempas Baru.

Speaking of the RTS Link, the State Works Chairman says the project, which connects Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru to Woodlands North in Singapore, is expected to be a game changer.

He also stated that efforts are underway to implement a unified immigration clearance system for the RTS to allow smoother cross-border mobility. An elevated Automated Rapid Transit (E-ART) system has been suggested for Johor Bahru to alleviate traffic congestion, especially as the RTS nears completion.

“Together with the Gemas-JB EDTP, RTS Link, commuter service and hopefully the E-ART, Johor will be recognised as a rail hub in the country,” Mohamad Fazli added.