The railway line was originally operated by the Federated Malay States Railways and ceased operations in 2011.
The Bukit Timah Railway Station is officially gazetted as a conserved building by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
The corridor is part of a larger initiative to create a 'green backbone' for Singapore's urban planning.
Original railway signage and mile markers can still be found along the trail.
The tracks were removed as part of the land return agreement between Singapore and Malaysia, though segments were reinstated at key points for heritage purposes.
The Rail Corridor is a 24-kilometer continuous green artery converted from a former railway line that once connected Singapore to the Malay Peninsula. The Bukit Timah section features the restored Bukit Timah Railway Station, which now functions as a community node with heritage galleries. The site acts as an ecological corridor, linking major nature reserves such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The terrain remains largely unpaved or finished with porous materials to maintain natural drainage and biodiversity. Industrial relics, including original steel truss bridges and railway tracks, remain preserved along the path. The corridor facilitates wildlife movement, allowing species to travel between fragmented patches of greenery.
The restored black steel truss bridge located near the Bukit Timah Railway Station.
Bring insect repellent as the trail passes through dense secondary forest areas.
Use sturdy, comfortable walking or trail shoes to navigate uneven gravel segments.
Hydrate frequently, as there are limited water refilling stations between primary nodes.
Attempting to walk the entire 24-kilometer stretch in one visit without adequate preparation; underestimating the humidity.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora and fauna; keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing wildlife.
