Kuching ART Progress: Scale of project starts to show as structures start taking shape

For anyone driving through Kuching or making their way from the Kuching International Airport into the city center, it is impossible to miss the massive transformation underway.

The city is officially gearing up for the future of public transportation. The Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), spearheaded by Sarawak Metro, is making highly visible strides, bringing the much-anticipated Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system closer to reality.

As the world’s first full-scale hydrogen-powered ART system outside of China, this project is set to place Sarawak at the forefront of global green mobility.

Here is a look at the latest progress on the ground.

Steady Progress Towards Q4 2026

As of early 2026, Phase 1 of the KUTS project—which encompasses the Blue, Red, and Green Lines—has reached approximately 35% overall completion. It is understood that contractors have been working aggressively to maintain the project timeline and minimize inconvenience to the public.

According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the region’s first hydrogen-powered ART system is slated to begin passenger service in the final quarter of 2026.

The initial rollout will focus on the Blue Line’s Package 1, stretching from Rembus in Kota Samarahan to the Riveria area, significantly easing the daily commute for residents and university students in the Samarahan corridor.

Stations and Depots Taking Shape

Physical progress is becoming highly visible to Kuchingites. The Stutong ART Station (SM07) is among the first to take definitive shape with The La Promenade Statsion (SM06) also already in shape.

With steel frames and structures already being erected, this at-grade station offers passersby a real-world glimpse into the massive, modern transit stops that will soon dot the city.

Recently, Sarawak Metro also announced that SM03 nearby SALCRA and UiTM had its padestrian bridge link installed.

Meanwhile, critical structural and piling works are advancing rapidly at the Rembus Depot in Kota Samarahan.

This facility will serve as the beating heart of the Blue Line, housing mechanical workshops, hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, an operations control centre (OCC), and the stabling yard for the ART vehicles.

Looking further ahead to 2028, the Hikmah Exchange ART Station is being developed as the central low-carbon public transport hub for the city center.

Once completed, it will seamlessly connect passengers to strategic heritage sites like Carpenter Street, Padang Merdeka, and offices in Satok.

Dedicated Lanes for Seamless Travel

A crucial element of the KUTS project is its dedicated infrastructure. The ART utilizes advanced virtual track technology (optical guidance systems), but it will run on heavily segregated elevated and at-grade corridors.

While the construction of elevated pillars and road widening has caused temporary traffic diversions, these dedicated lanes are essential.

They ensure that the ART can bypass Kuching’s growing traffic congestion, operating with the punctuality, safety, and high-capacity efficiency of a traditional Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, but at a fraction of the cost.

Progress on these lanes have been obvious with pier caps already installed in sections nearby the Kuching International Airport and Jalan Tun Jugah which will connect Statsion SR06 at Kuching International Airport and Station SR07 at BDC/RH Plaza area.

In addition, the piers near station along Jalan Tun Jugah are also slowly having U Beams placed on their pier caps in recent weeks, giving the general public a better idea of the scale of the project as well as its construction.

Elsewhere in Samarahan, the at-grade lanes are practically almost ready for use, minus the stations which are still in works.

The system will also feature smart traffic light integration (Transit Signal Priority) to grant ART vehicles the right-of-way at junctions.

What to Expect Next?

The coming months will be highly eventful for Sarawak Metro and the public.

Sarawakians can look forward to the arrival of the first official production batch of hydrogen-powered ART vehicles and zero-emission feeder buses by the second quarter of 2026.

Do follow us on our socials at Kuching Borneo as we continue to track and update you on Kuching’s tourism and development progress.

Sources & Relatable Links: SMFB1, SMFB2, SMFB3, SMFB4, SMFB5, SM Website, DD