RTS Link engineers address steep viaduct slope and rainy-day braking
RTS Operations CEO Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin said the cross-border rail link faces engineering hurdles, notably a steep viaduct incline and reduced traction in wet weather.
The upcoming RTS Link, spanning 4 km between Bukit Chagar station in Johor Baru and Woodlands North station in Singapore, must overcome several technical challenges before it can operate safely. Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin, chief executive of RTS Operations, explained that the viaduct’s steep slope requires tight integration of track geometry, braking performance and signalling logic so trains can decelerate smoothly at stations.
He also noted that wet conditions further complicate traction, making rigorous testing essential to maintain reliability in rain. While most construction is complete, the project’s launch has been shifted from January 2027 to February 2027, awaiting final safety certification and regulatory clearance.
