KUCHING – Construction of the dedicated Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) bridge across Sungai Kuap has reached a significant milestone, with multiple girders successfully installed and river piers completed in recent weeks.
The bridge forms a crucial component of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Blue Line, which will eventually link key stations across Kuching and Kota Samarahan.
The Sungai Kuap crossing is the only bridge designed exclusively for the ART guideway. Once operational, it will connect stations near La Promenade Mall and The NorthBank, serving as a vital corridor within Sarawak’s modern public transport system.
The Blue Line itself spans 27.6 kilometres from Rembus to the Hikmah Exchange area, forming part of the wider KUTS Phase 1 network that covers 50.6 kilometres with 24 stations.
Sarawak Metro, the implementing agency under the Development Bank of Sarawak, has confirmed that the bridge remains on schedule for completion by mid-2026.
This timeline is critical, as the opening of the Blue Line’s first package, stretching from the Rembus Depot to Riveria Station and onwards to Stutong Station, depends on the bridge’s readiness.
The ART system represents a major transformation in Sarawak’s public transport landscape. Unlike conventional rail, ART vehicles operate on rubber tyres guided by sensors along dedicated lanes.
Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, each articulated vehicle can carry up to 250 passengers at speeds of 70 kilometres per hour.
This technology offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, requiring less extensive civil works compared to traditional rail systems. Construction teams have faced challenges posed by Sarawak’s monsoon climate.
To mitigate delays, adaptive measures such as temporary drainage systems, enhanced protective gear, and adjusted machinery protocols have been introduced.
Safety remains a priority, with reflective barriers and warning signage deployed along active work zones to protect motorists and commuters.
The Rembus Depot, completed in late 2024, will serve as the main maintenance and stabling facility for the ART fleet.
It integrates critical systems including signalling, telecommunications, fare collection, and hydrogen vehicle operations.
The depot also houses the Operation Control Centre, which will monitor vehicle movements, station activities, and emergency responses across the network.
Beyond immediate connectivity between Kuching and Kota Samarahan, the KUTS project reflects Sarawak’s broader ambition to become a high-income state by 2030.
Reliable transport infrastructure is seen as essential to reducing congestion, boosting productivity, and supporting economic growth.
Long-term plans include extending ART services to the proposed new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, further enhancing regional mobility. Public cooperation has been acknowledged as vital in maintaining project timelines.
Motorists are urged to observe reduced speed limits and follow directional signage when approaching construction areas along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.
With steady progress on the Sungai Kuap bridge, Sarawak is moving closer to realising a connected, sustainable, and modern transport system for its capital region.
