By Sharen Kaur
sharen@mediaprima.com.my
Published in NST on August 25, 2014
RM12b ALTERNATIVE: Group plans to use KTMB infrastructure and integrate system with EDTP, sources say
A GROUP of local companies says it can build the high-speed rail (HSR) link from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru for about 70 per cent less that the current estimate.
People with knowledge on the matter said the companies plan to use existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) infrastructure between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru that covers around 350km, and integrate the system with the electrified double-tracking project (EDTP).
Malaysia has spent close to RM22 billion to develop the EDTP between Rawang, Selangor, and Gemas, Negri Sembilan. There is a plan to extend the EDTP from Gemas to Johor Baru for an additional RM8 billion to RM10 billion.
“The KTMB infrastructure is designed for 160kph. If you have high-speed trains running at 160kph between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, you can make the trip in around two hours and 30 minutes.
“Instead of building a new alignment, the group plans to use the existing infrastructure and buy high-speed trains. This can be done by using the existing KTMB metre gauge, with some minor upgrading required.
“It estimates that the whole project would cost around RM12 billion, which will include acquiring 30 six-car train sets for about RM1.5 billion, based on current ridership for service every hour,” sources said.
The source said that if the government accepts the proposal, the group is ready to start construction as it has the funding in place.
At present, it takes up to eight hours by train between the two cities, around five hours by road, and 45 minutes by flight.
According to Business Times reports, the proposed HSR link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is aimed at cutting travel time between the two cities to 90 minutes.
New alignments had been proposed, which included land acquisitions, relocation of squatters, and cutting through hilly areas.
According to Land Public Transport Commission, the rail service is expected to have stops in Seremban (Negri Sembilan), Ayer Keroh (Malacca), and Muar, Batu Pahat and Nusajaya in Johor.
It is estimated that the plan would cost around RM40 billion, with RM10 billion alone to buy high-speed bullet trains.
Four groups are eyeing the HSR project.
MMC Corp Bhd may rope in Chinese and European system integrators, while YTL Corp Bhd and the China Infraglobe-Global Rail Sdn Bhd consortium are also in the running.
Government’s investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd is also keen and its involvement could be via UEM Group Bhd.
sharen@mediaprima.com.my
Published in NST on August 25, 2014
RM12b ALTERNATIVE: Group plans to use KTMB infrastructure and integrate system with EDTP, sources say
A GROUP of local companies says it can build the high-speed rail (HSR) link from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru for about 70 per cent less that the current estimate.
People with knowledge on the matter said the companies plan to use existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) infrastructure between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru that covers around 350km, and integrate the system with the electrified double-tracking project (EDTP).
Malaysia has spent close to RM22 billion to develop the EDTP between Rawang, Selangor, and Gemas, Negri Sembilan. There is a plan to extend the EDTP from Gemas to Johor Baru for an additional RM8 billion to RM10 billion.
“The KTMB infrastructure is designed for 160kph. If you have high-speed trains running at 160kph between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, you can make the trip in around two hours and 30 minutes.
“Instead of building a new alignment, the group plans to use the existing infrastructure and buy high-speed trains. This can be done by using the existing KTMB metre gauge, with some minor upgrading required.
“It estimates that the whole project would cost around RM12 billion, which will include acquiring 30 six-car train sets for about RM1.5 billion, based on current ridership for service every hour,” sources said.
The source said that if the government accepts the proposal, the group is ready to start construction as it has the funding in place.
At present, it takes up to eight hours by train between the two cities, around five hours by road, and 45 minutes by flight.
According to Business Times reports, the proposed HSR link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is aimed at cutting travel time between the two cities to 90 minutes.
New alignments had been proposed, which included land acquisitions, relocation of squatters, and cutting through hilly areas.
According to Land Public Transport Commission, the rail service is expected to have stops in Seremban (Negri Sembilan), Ayer Keroh (Malacca), and Muar, Batu Pahat and Nusajaya in Johor.
It is estimated that the plan would cost around RM40 billion, with RM10 billion alone to buy high-speed bullet trains.
Four groups are eyeing the HSR project.
MMC Corp Bhd may rope in Chinese and European system integrators, while YTL Corp Bhd and the China Infraglobe-Global Rail Sdn Bhd consortium are also in the running.
Government’s investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd is also keen and its involvement could be via UEM Group Bhd.
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