Singapore and Malaysia set for high-speed rail link

Date: 21/2/2013

Authorities from Singapore and Malaysia have unveiled plans for a high-speed rail service to improve the city-state's links with Kuala Lumpur.

It is hoped that the line will be operational by 2020 as the Governments look to cut the journey time between the cities to 90 minutes. Currently, the trip takes around six hours to complete by train.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak issued a joint statement on the project, explaining that it will have a range of benefits which would include increased business connectivity in the region.

"This is a strategic development in bilateral relations that will dramatically improve the connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore," the leaders said.

"It will facilitate seamless travel between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, enhance business linkages and bring the peoples of Malaysia and Singapore closer together."

Mr Razak claimed that although the 2020 target is ambitious, it is one that both countries are dedicated to working towards.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News