The Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line will start passenger service by 2026 to handle traffic growth from the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link opening. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line to begin passenger service in 2026, easing Johor Bahru congestion with RTS integration and major infrastructure upgrades.
Currently exclusive for freight service, Pasir Gudang KTM station is slated to run passenger service to Kempas Baru KTM station connecting to JB Sentral.
ST PHOTO: LU WEI HOONG

RTS expansion drives Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line upgrade

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) will expand the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line to support passenger services and reduce congestion in Johor Bahru. This move coincides with the expected launch of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) in December 2026.

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KTM will convert the 40km freight corridor to accommodate commuters, beginning with two new stations at Kempas Baru and Pasir Gudang.

These additions will lay the foundation for the Komuter Selatan network. According to KTM CEO Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin, the service will support peak-hour demand and enhance mobility along the north–south corridor.

The RTS will carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction between Singapore’s Woodlands North and Malaysia’s Bukit Chagar. While the autonomous ART system remains unconfirmed, the KTM upgrade offers a confirmed, rail-based alternative.

Infrastructure upgrades to modernize Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line

KTM and Railway Assets Corporation are investing in upgraded signals, halts with raised platforms, and a passing loop for safe bi-directional travel. Since the line is not electrified, diesel-powered trains will run at 20–30 minute intervals during rush hours.

By 2030, Pasir Gudang’s workforce is expected to grow to 300,000, and KTM plans to add more stops along the line. A 400-meter covered walkway will link Bukit Chagar RTS and JB Sentral, easing access to KTM’s broader network.

Additionally, by December 2025, KTM’s Electric Train Service (ETS) will connect JB Sentral with Padang Besar on the West Coast. This medium-speed route complements the existing diesel service and prepares for future electrified Komuter Selatan service between Paloh and Johor Bahru.

From October 2024 to May 2025, the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line underwent critical upgrades, including track replacement and new safety systems. These changes improved train speeds from 30 km/h to 80 km/h, making the route safer and more efficient for both freight and future passengers.

Source: www.straitstimes.com

FAQ

What is the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line used for now?

It currently serves freight transport but will soon support passenger rail service alongside cargo.

When will the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line start carrying passengers?

KTM plans to launch passenger services by the end of 2026, in line with the RTS opening.

How does this upgrade affect RTS commuters?

It provides extended rail options beyond Bukit Chagar station, helping disperse RTS passenger traffic effectively.

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