Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail

The Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) is a postponed railway project to link Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Singapore via a high-speed rail line. It was announced by then Malaysian’s Prime Minister, Najib Razak, in September 2010. Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, officially agreed in February 2013 to go ahead and the HSR project is expected to be completed by 2026. However, after the defeat of Najib Razak in Malaysia’s general elections in May 2018, his successor, Mahathir Mohamad initially announced that the project would be scrapped. However, during a visit to Japan on 12 June 2018, Mahathir said that the project was not scrapped but merely postponed due to high costs. On 5 September 2018, it was announced that the HSR operations will start in January 2031.

The HSR line is 350 km long, and is expected to reduce travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes. It will also stop at several Malaysian cities such as Malacca and Seremban as it travels along the west coast of West Malaysia. The line starts from Bandar Malaysia in Malaysia and ends at Jurong East in Singapore.

The Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) is an ambitious railway project that aims to connect Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Singapore via a high-speed rail line. Let’s delve into some key details about this exciting transportation link:

  • Route Overview:
    • Designation: G8511
    • Length: Approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) .
    • Termini:
      • Start Point: Bandar Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
      • End Point: Jurong East, Singapore
    • Stations: There will be a total of 8 stations, including stops in cities such as Putrajaya, Seremban, Malacca, and Iskandar Puteri .
    • Operating Speed: The trains are expected to reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) .
  • Purpose and Significance:
    • The HSR project aims to significantly reduce travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Once operational, the journey will take only 90 minutes, revolutionizing cross-border travel in Southeast Asia.
    • It will provide an alternative transport system that contributes to the region’s decarbonization targets .
  • History:
    • The project was first proposed by then Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in September 2010.
    • Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong formally agreed to the joint project in February 2013.
    • The original completion target was 2026, but political changes and cost considerations led to delays and temporary postponements.
    • After being terminated in January 2021, the project has reportedly been revived, and the Malaysian government is currently seeking proposals to restart it.

This high-speed rail promises to enhance connectivity, foster economic growth, and create exciting opportunities for travelers between these two vibrant cities!