A new double-track line is to be constructed, with the lines in Singapore and Malaysia linked by the bridge, which will have a height clearance of 25m above the water level. It will be built to the west of the 1,920m-long Second Link.

The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail service will open with eight stations and there will be separate operators for the cross-border and domestic Malaysia services. Singapore and Malaysia will jointly call a tender next year for a company to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the rail assets.

They will also jointly award a tender for a 'joint development partner' in early 2017, to provide advice on operational, technical and procurement matters.

The express service is targeted to start operations by 31 December 2026.