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9 Facts about the High-Speed Rail between KL-SG Cos The Agreement is Signed

2016-12-15 , 12:50 pm

ith the drop in the value of the Malaysian ringgit, it’s not uncommon that many of you would want to visit our neighbouring country to spend some time just relaxing, be it to eat, shop, or play – you name it – because everything is just so cheap!

But are you aware of the deal that was recently signed between Singapore and Malaysia regarding the construction of the high-speed rail line?

1.To Be Completed by 2026

The Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail (HSR) has been three years in the making since it was first conceived in 2013. On Tuesday, 13 Dec, Singapore and Malaysia signed the agreement to build the HSR line while targeting to get trains up and running by 31 Dec 2026 – 10 years from now.

2. 350 Kilometres Long

This 350-kilometre long rail line will run between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and consists of eight stations.

The rail line will go across the Strait of Johor via a 25-metre high bridge near the Second Link. Of the entire rail system, 15 kilometres of it will lie in Singapore while the other 335 kilometres will lie in Malaysia.

3. 8 Stations To Serve Commuters

There will also be a shorter shuttle service connecting Singapore and Iskandar Puteri in Johor, and a domestic service linking the seven stations in Malaysia.

Of the eight stations, two terminal stations will be located at Jurong East in Singapore and Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. The other six stations will namely be in Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Muar, Ayer Keroh, Seremban, and Putrajaya.

4. 90 Minutes Is All That Is Needed

Compared to a standard car ride which takes about four hours, this ambitious rail link is expected to cut travel time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur down to just 90 minutes.

5. Seamless Travel

Both nations have agreed that the Singapore and Malaysia Customs, Immigration & Quarantine (CIQ) facilities will be co-located at three locations – Kuala Lumpur, Iskandar Puteri and Singapore.

International-bound passengers will need to go through CIQ clearance by both Singapore and Malaysia authorities only at the point of departure, ensuring swift and seamless travel.

6. Biggest Challenge: Line’s Alignment in Malaysia

According to experts, the finalising of the line’s alignment in Malaysia will be the biggest challenge. Although the HSR line between Singapore and Malaysia has an ambitious 10-year deadline to get the system up and running by Dec 31, 2026, experts said that it was achievable as long as construction starts by 2021, at the latest.

What they believe is tougher is the drafting of the tender documents and contracts before 2021, as well as the biggest challenge of finalising the line’s alignment of the 350-kilometre long route, much of which is in Malaysia.

7. Each Country To Take Own Charge

The Singapore and Malaysia governments will take charge of their own construction, development, and maintenance of the civil infrastructure and stations within their own countries.

This means that the responsibilities will be separately undertaken by the Land Transport Authority in Singapore, and by MyHSR Corporation in Malaysia.

8. Bilateral Committee

The implementation of a bilateral committee serves to have an oversight over all matters that may concern the express and shuttle services. A working-level joint project team will also take care of all matters that require coordination and joint engagement between the two nations.

9. Operation To Start In Late 2026

The rail line project is slated to start its operation by Dec 21, 2026. Till then, let us enjoy the long car or bus rides into Malaysia before such becomes a thing of the past.

Featured Image: wmaproperty.com

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com