KTMB Extends Southern Shuttle To Strengthen Johor Rail Connectivity

Malaysia, August 2026 – Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is expanding its Southern Shuttle rail service to include the Paloh–JB Sentral route, strengthening rail connectivity across central Johor. The extension will serve seven stations and forms part of wider efforts to improve suburban access to major economic centres.

The expanded service will connect Paloh, Kluang, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, Kempas Baru and JB Sentral, with the complete journey expected to take about 120 minutes. The route uses part of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Project alignment and will operate 10 daily trips, comprising five services in each direction, with trains capable of carrying up to 400 passengers.

The extension is expected to benefit an estimated 2.5 million residents across Kluang, Kulai, Pasir Gudang and Johor Bahru. Integration at Kempas Baru will also allow passengers to transfer between the Southern Shuttle and the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang service, strengthening links between central Johor communities and the Pasir Gudang industrial area.

The service is also designed to support early-morning commuters, including workers travelling towards Singapore. The first train from Paloh will depart at 3.55am and reach JB Sentral at 5.52am, while the final service from JB Sentral will leave at 8.30pm. KTMB has recorded 3,209 passengers since the Southern Shuttle was initially introduced on June 16.

The expansion demonstrates how recently developed rail infrastructure can be leveraged to broaden regional passenger services. With promotional fares and integrated connections supporting the initial rollout, the Southern Shuttle extension could contribute to greater public transport accessibility and strengthen Johor's wider rail network as demand for reliable regional mobility continues to grow.

Source: The Star