There’s news today about a multi-billion dollar rail project that will change the look of a capital city. It’s not the Honolulu rail project—this is a high speed train that would link Singapore with the capital city of Malaysia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has details in today’s Asia Minute.
The leaders of Singapore and Malaysia signed a train deal this week. It’s a memo of understanding for a high-speed rail project that would link Singapore with Kuala Lumpur—about 185 miles. Planners say it will turn what is now about a 5 hour drive into a 90 minute ride.
A conventional train trip between the cities takes you on a meandering but scenic route of more than nine hours…fine if you’re a backpacker with lots of time, not so great for business people. Of course flying is possible—and popular—it takes an hour in the air….and there are a lot of flights: for example, if you want to fly on a Monday, you have more than 40 options of departure times.
Still, economists say the high-speed rail will boost trade and business ties between the Southeast Asian neighbors. Costs will be split between the two countries; details will be part of a legally binding agreement targeted for later this year.
Another question: who will build the route…and supply the trains. Chinese, Japanese and European firms are already anxious to submit bids. The plan right now is for the train to be ready for passengers by 2026…at a cost of $11 billion. Of course, when it comes to rail projects, it’s fair to say timing may slip….and costs may escalate.
