Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Member of the Politburo of the Party Central Committee and Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), delivered remarks at the National Public Works and Transport Sector Conference for 2025–2026 and the implementation meeting for the 2026–2030 Five-Year Development Plan of the Public Works and Transport Sector on 6 May 2026 at the National Convention Center.

During his address, he emphasized a number of important issues that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport should continue to focus on in order to achieve positive progress and improvements in its work. He stressed that leaders at both the central and local levels of the public works and transport sector nationwide should take the matters discussed at the conference, review them carefully, and lead their practical implementation so that they produce concrete results, including: …

1. Upgrade and develop transport and communications infrastructure in a comprehensive and systematic manner to strengthen connectivity within the country, across the region, and internationally. Priority should be given to the country’s key arterial highways that serve as the lifelines of the economy, including National Road 13 North and National Road 13 South, as well as other roads identified in Government Resolution No. 05/PM dated 30 March 2026. This also includes implementing Resolution No. 165/NA and Resolution No. 10/PM concerning policies to promote road construction and maintenance in the new phase, including the OPBRC and PRTC programs.

In addition, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport should coordinate with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and local authorities to jointly study and develop road networks leading to tourist attractions, key development zones, and major production areas.

Attention should also be given to the strict management of modified vehicles and overloaded trucks in order to protect existing roads from deterioration and damage, ensuring that transportation routes remain in good condition and can operate normally.

2. Urban development should go hand in hand with environmental protection and improving the cleanliness and attractiveness of cities. This includes addressing urban flooding problems, wastewater management, and municipal solid waste management.

In particular, strategic plans should be developed for the management of electronic waste (e-waste). As the government is promoting greater use of electric vehicles, special attention must be paid to the growing issue of expired and discarded EV batteries. Appropriate methods for handling, recycling, and reprocessing these batteries should be thoroughly researched and implemented.

At the same time, local authorities throughout the country should explore and expand the use of solar energy and other alternative energy sources, especially for public street lighting in urban areas. These efforts are aimed at creating cities that are more livable, environmentally friendly, green, and sustainable.

3. Develop inland waterway infrastructure and transportation in conjunction with protecting the nation’s waterways, territorial waters, and national sovereignty. In recent years, the Government and the National Assembly have allocated approximately 200–300 billion kip per year as a principle budget for this sector.

Therefore, the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and local authorities, is instructed to review annual budget allocations to ensure they are focused on priority areas identified through studies conducted by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

At the same time, efforts should be made to harness the potential of major waterways, including the Mekong River, its tributaries, and reservoirs created by hydropower dams, as alternative routes for water transportation. Water transport is an efficient option that can carry large volumes of cargo while reducing pressure on road transportation networks.

In addition, coordination with local authorities should be strengthened in managing vessel operations, marine engineering standards, and the safety of tourist boats, passenger vessels, and cargo ships. Attention must also be paid to regulating the extraction of stone, gravel, and sand for construction purposes, and authorities must strictly prevent operators from exploiting such activities as a cover for illegal gold mining.

4. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is also instructed to study and resolve the problem of water shortages in major urban areas throughout the country, particularly in:

• Vientiane
• Pakse
• Luang Prabang
• Kaysone Phomvihane

Solutions should utilize various investment models, including government-funded projects, BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) arrangements, and PPP (Public-Private Partnership) schemes.

Furthermore, urgent action is required to address water supply losses caused by leakage and wasteful water consumption, which result in significant revenue losses. Modern technologies should be adopted to improve monitoring, detection, and management of water systems.

Finally, emphasis should be placed on the use of domestically produced construction materials and equipment that meet quality standards, including broader utilization of products manufactured by Lao Toyota and other qualified local producers.

5. Develop the civil aviation sector to become more modern, safe, and compliant with international standards. Priority should be given to resolving outstanding issues and accelerating the reform of the state-owned airline, Lao Airlines, so that the restructuring process can be completed as quickly as possible.

In addition, studies should be conducted to prepare a long-term plan for a new airport in Vientiane, as it is recognized that the existing Wattay International Airport is already experiencing significant congestion and is becoming increasingly overcrowded.

6. Strengthen the management of vehicles, driver operations, and passenger transportation services, particularly passenger buses throughout the country, to ensure a high level of safety. Serious attention must be given to protecting the lives and property of citizens and passengers.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport should take the lead in coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security to address violations of traffic regulations, especially in urban areas. This includes tackling problems such as:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
• Excessive speeding beyond legal limits.
• Improper transportation of soil, rock, sand, and other construction materials.
• Other transport activities that do not comply with established regulations and safety standards.

These measures are intended to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and ensure that transportation services operate in accordance with the law.

7. Develop the railway sector and related supporting industries in order to maximize benefits for the nation and its people.

This includes advancing key railway projects such as the Laos–Vietnam Railway, as well as conducting feasibility studies for a railway line extending from Khammouane Province through Champasak Province to the Laos–Cambodia border, with future connections onward to Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok.

These railway developments should be integrated with the expansion of multimodal logistics and transportation systems (Multi-Modal Transport), combining rail, road, waterway, and other transport modes. The objective is to improve connectivity, enhance trade and cargo movement efficiency, and continuously increase revenue generation for the country.

8. Study and adopt modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as tools to support the development, management, and administration of the infrastructure systems under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The objective is to improve the efficiency, speed, accuracy, and transparency of planning, operations, monitoring, and management across the sector, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of infrastructure development and public service delivery.

[Original article ສຶກສາຄວາມເປັນໄປໄດ້ເສັ້ນທາງລົດໄຟ ແຕ່ຄໍາມ່ວນ-ຈໍາປາສັກ-ຊາຍແດນລາວ-ກຳປູເຈຍ ແລະ ເຊື່ອມຕໍ່ໄປພະນົມເປັນ ນະຄອນໂຮ່ຈິມິນ ແລະ ບາງກອກ at laopost.com. Translation by ChatGPT.]

Article By: thansettakij.com

From the recruitment of a new Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT)—the 21st in its history—the application period was open from 22 November to 8 December 2025. Only two candidates applied. The selection results have now been approved, with Anan Phonimdaeng chosen. He currently serves as Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand and Acting Governor of SRT, and is in the process of negotiating his compensation.

The missions awaiting the new top executive are considered the most critical turning point in SRT’s history, as he will be responsible for mega infrastructure projects with a combined value of 830 billion baht, alongside resolving long-standing land issues that affect the organisation’s stability.

Unlocking the High-Speed Rail – 3 Airports Project

The first mission that the new SRT Governor must carry forward is accelerating solutions to the Thai–Chinese high-speed railway project. At present, two contracts are awaiting signing:

• Contract 4-5, Ban Pho–Phra Kaeo section, valued at 10,325.90 million baht, which has been delayed due to revisions to the Ayutthaya station design.

As for Contract 4-1, the Bang Sue–Don Mueang section, efforts are underway to push the Cabinet to approve amendments to the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports contract. This is a key condition tied to overlapping shared-area structures.

Advancing Double-Track Rail Phase 2

The second mission is to push forward the Phase 2 double-track railway project, comprising six routes with a total investment of 297 billion baht. The project is currently awaiting inclusion on the Cabinet agenda by the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC) for approval.

The six Phase 2 double-track routes include:

• Chumphon–Surat Thani, 168 km, 30,422 million baht
• Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla, 321 km, 66,270 million baht
• Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar, 45 km, 7,772 million baht
• Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai, 281 km, 81,143 million baht
• Thanon Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani, 308 km, 44,095 million baht
• Den Chai–Chiang Mai, 189 km, 68,222 million baht

Revitalizing Commercial Land

The third mission involves managing commercial land through SRT Asset to generate revenue and resolve accumulated debt of over 280 billion baht. The focus is on increasing income through commercial land management via subsidiaries, opening opportunities for private-sector joint investment, and accelerating the procurement of new rolling stock to enhance competitiveness.

The main goals are to increase passenger and freight revenues and reduce debt. Long-term targets include increasing passenger revenue fourfold and freight revenue fivefold, enabling SRT to become the best rail service provider in ASEAN by 2027.

Previously, SRT planned to develop its commercial land holdings covering 38,000 rai, valued at more than 300 billion baht, which were transferred to its subsidiary, SRT Asset Co., Ltd. (SRTA), in 2022 to auction high-potential plots and generate income.

A key selling point is Bang Sue Grand Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal)—the largest rail transportation hub in ASEAN—which is expected to attract investors for mixed-use commercial development.

[Original article ผ่าภารกิจใหญ่ผู้ว่าการรถไฟฯ คนใหม่ กับเมกะโปรเจ็กต์ค้างท่อ 8.3 แสนล้าน at thansettakij.com. Translation by ChatGPT.]

The East Timor Rail Master Plan was a proposal for a railway system in Timor-Leste.

The proposal was presented by Lafaek Besi LDA. Development Company (Dili, Timor-Leste), dated 2012.

The railway plan included three lines:

Central Line: Bobonaro – Los Palos
West Line: Dili – Betano
East Line: Baucau – Uatolari

The proposal called for a single-track electric railway at medium speed for passenger and cargo transport.

East Timor Rail Master Plan map

[Map of East Timor Rail Master Plan.]

This map shows the general locations of each line. The pins are not proposed station locations.

Links and resources

East Timor Rail Master Plan (Uploaded by Ricardo Nunes on Jun 05, 2012)
“This document presents a proposal for an electric rail network in East Timor to support economic development goals. It argues rail will be more efficient than roads for transporting people and goods. The proposed network includes a central line from Bobonaro to Los Palos, a west line from Dili to Betano, and an east line from Baucau to Uatolari. Tourism trains would operate on the network. The plan cites East Timor’s growing population and economy fueled by oil revenues as motivation for investing in rail-induced development to disperse the population and stimulate economic activity across the country.”

Most of the proposals have been for a high-speed railway in Luzon. A North-South Luzon HSR was proposed in 2010 by San Miguel Corp. In 2023, Luis Raymund Villafuerte (President of the National Unity Party) proposed that the South Long Haul Railway (from Manila to South Luzon) be upgraded to a high-speed railway.

There have also been mentions of a high-speed railway in Mindanao, though this is a case of misunderstanding the definition of high-speed.

The current Mindanao rail plan will be for diesel-powered rolling stock with a top speed of 120 km/h. This will later be upgraded to an electric railway with a speed of 160 km/h. This is a higher-speed rail (or semi-high-speed railway), and not high-speed of 250 km/h and above (or 200 km/h by other definitions).

A Pan-Philippine High-Speed Railway has not been proposed, though local media has pondered if a Japanese-style bullet train from Manila to Davao could be built. Like the Pan-Philippine Highway, it would depend on bridging Luzon-Samar and Leyte-Mindanao. Bridging these two missing links would enable ground transportation across the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

This page keeps track of any mention of proposed high-speed railways in the Philippines.

My take: Could the Philippines build a Pan-Philippine High-Speed Railway?

Maps

There is no official planning map for a high-speed railway in the Philippines.

In 2014, a blogger made a fantasy map of a Philippine high speed rail system:

“Here’s an imaginary map of a high speed rail network that spans the Philippines, connecting all the major cities from Laoag in the north to Tawi-Tawi way down south, and even the Tubbataha reef in the middle of the Sulu Sea.”

In 2018, this map went viral on Facebook with people thinking it was a real plan. AFP then posted that this is not a map of the Philippines’ high-speed rail system.

Links and resources

PHILIPPINES | High Speed Rail – News and discussion at SkyscraperCity.

News archive

2025

‘More optimistic than ever’: Villafuerte confident of Bicol Express rollout, Naga airport upgrade with Vince Dizon at DOTr helm – [06/06/25]
“Villafuerte had proposed that instead of a standard train system, which had been proposed during the Duterte administration, the “Bicol Express” should be a high-speed railway like the “bullet trains” in Japan to cut travel time from Metro Manila to Albay or Sorsogon to only three hours.

“While countries such as Vietnam are already building high-speed train systems, I think it’s about time that the Philippines similarly develop a high-speed rail,” he said.

“Based on research, all countries have developed because they have efficient railway systems. Can you imagine if there’s a Manila-Bicol high-speed rail that can cut travel time to three hours. That will develop all the areas and decongest traffic from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon all the way to the Bicol provinces,” Villafuerte added.”

FACT CHECK: Image of bullet train in Bicol is AI-generated, no Albay trip yet – [26/05/25]
“Although most of the comments in the original post mirror awareness that the bullet train has not yet been launched in Bicol and that the AI-generated photo was just used to depict what it would look like in the future, some still mistakenly think that the photo is real.”

2024

The bullet train from Manila to Davao – [23/08/24]
“Engineering-wise, there is no fundamental technical or technological impediment to physically connect Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with a train network through bridges and tunnels, in the same way that Japan managed to bridge the Tsugaru Strait to connect Honshu and Hokkaido through the 53.8-kilometer Seikan Tunnel, which was opened in 1988.”

Villafuerte’s proposal: Bullet trains for Philippines’ railway ‘renaissance’ – [11/03/24]
“National Unity Party (NUP) president and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to roll out bullet trains in the so-called Bicol Express and other major rail projects across the country.”

2023

Shinkansen dream: Villafuerte pitches for Japan-style bullet train linking NCR to Bicol – [09/11/23]
“After the government withdrew its loan application from China, National Unity Party president and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte proposed the construction of a Japanese-style bullet train to connect the National Capital Region (NCR) and the Bicol region.

Villafuerte said if the funding for the South Long Haul Railway project of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) comes from the Japanese official development assistance (ODA), “it would be ideal for Tokyo to build a bullet train in lieu of a regular railway system.””

Japan eyed to fund bullet train – [08/11/23]
“The initial phase of the project would involve a 380-kilometer railway connecting Banlic and Calamba, Laguna in central Luzon, to Daraga, Albay in southern Luzon.

Mr. Villafuerte said that Tokyo loans would be an ideal source to fund the project, citing its role in the country’s transportation projects.

He cited Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, which run at 320 km per hour.”

2014

Metro-Clark bullet train impractical, says expert – [29/09/14]
“The proposed high-speed rail line that will link Metro Manila and the Clark Freeport Zone, may not be a feasible mass transportation option given its high cost, said an official of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).”

2010

San Miguel mulls bullet train project – [26/03/10]
“San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has set its sights on what could probably be its most ambitious and expensive project to date as it spearheads the Philippines’ bid to become the first country in Southeast Asia to build and operate a bullet train.

SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang told The STAR that they have commissioned a group that includes international companies with experience in bullet trains to study the possibility of building a bullet train railway that will run from the north to the south end of Luzon.”

Article By: Manager Online

The government has heavily invested in developing rail infrastructure over the past decade. This includes seven urgent-phase double-track railway projects, covering a total distance of 993 kilometers, with a budget of 124 billion baht. Currently, seven additional double-track routes (Phase 2), covering 1,479 kilometers, along with two new double-track lines, are being pushed forward, with a combined investment of over 200 billion baht. Between 2025 and 2029, the double-track railway network will expand by another 3,200 kilometers. This will nearly double train capacity, allowing for more train services, increased speeds, and reduced travel times by at least one hour on average compared to the present.

“But the problems of the State Railway of Thailand still exist in many parts, especially the accumulated debt of 300 billion baht and the continuous loss of operations. In 2025, it will have to borrow 18 billion baht to increase liquidity to solve the problem of cash flow shortage. In 2026, the budget has been allocated in the amount of 19,418 million baht, divided into regular expenses of 8,081 million baht and investment expenses of 11,336 million baht, while there is a burden of repaying loans of more than 45 billion baht.”

Providing “locomotives – passenger cars – freight cars” that are not moving

Mr. Veerit Amrapal, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), said that the dual-track railway project is part of the railway rehabilitation plan. Therefore, the question must be answered as to what benefits the investment will bring. If there is an additional track but it is not fully utilized, it will not be worthwhile. At present, the SRT must accelerate the plan to procure locomotives, wheels, and freight cars to increase service efficiency and comply with the plan and strategy of the Ministry of Transport, which wants to shift the mode of road transport to rail to reduce transportation costs and logistics costs of the country.

“Rail transport has seen serious development over the past 10 years, unlike roads which have consistently received budget allocations for development. However, for the rail system to become the country’s primary mode of transport, there is still much more that needs to be done. This includes achieving seamless integration with other modes of transportation — connecting stations to urban communities, and linking raw material sources to factories and ultimately to consumers in the most efficient way possible.

Moreover, rail transport helps address several issues, such as reducing pollution and traffic accidents — which often result in loss of life and property — and also lowers annual road maintenance costs. With increasing demand today, freight transport volumes have risen both domestically and in cross-border routes to Laos–China and Malaysia. Rail freight is supported by container yards (CYs) in various areas, which facilitate the onward shipment of goods to ports.”

Shortage of “employees” hoping to unlock the Cabinet resolution to hire more employees

In addition, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) must address the issue of shortages in both personnel and equipment. This includes procuring quality locomotives, rolling stock, freight wagons, diesel railcars, and passenger coaches to improve services.

Another major challenge is the shortage of personnel. A Cabinet resolution from 1998 limits new hires to just 5% of the number of retirees, which has reduced the railway workforce from 20,000 to only 9,000 staff. This number is insufficient to maintain proper service levels. As a result, employees are overworked, often working overtime, which leads to fatigue, negatively impacts their health and quality of life, and increases the SRT’s financial burden due to high overtime costs — especially for drivers and mechanics, where around 1,000 positions are needed. Hiring new staff could help reduce overtime expenses by as much as 200 million baht per year.

Review the “recovery plan” and accelerate the study of setting up a subsidiary company – emphasizing projects that can actually be done.

On 19 June 2025, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonphong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, chaired the meeting of the working group to supervise and follow up on the implementation of the State Railway of Thailand’s recovery plan, with representatives from the Department of Rail Transport, SRT, the Budget Bureau, the Comptroller General’s Department, the State Enterprise Policy Committee, the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Strategy and Planning Division, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport attending the meeting.

By following up on important issues such as the plan to procure and maintain locomotives and rolling stock that will help increase service efficiency, including studying the approach for private companies to operate trains on SRT tracks to enhance potential and improve management. In addition, there is consideration of establishing a subsidiary company for freight trains and maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock to increase operational flexibility and generate income.

There are observations and suggestions on the results of the SRT’s rehabilitation plan for the first quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2025, such as considering the setting of commercial train fares in a manner comparable to airline fares, but still giving importance to considering the fares of social vehicles used by low-income people, along with accelerating the improvement of buses to have better quality and service.

Also, the SRT should carefully study the advantages and disadvantages of establishing existing subsidiaries in order to establish the freight train subsidiaries and the maintenance and wheel companies with the highest efficiency. It is also proposed that projects that have not yet been implemented be removed from the rehabilitation plan in order to make the plan more concise and focused on actual implementation. The SRT should consider the observations and suggestions received for improvement and present a clear plan so that the SRT’s rehabilitation can achieve its goal of becoming an efficient organization.

Shake Up the Plan for “Locomotive and Rolling Stock Procurement”: Suggest Bundled Purchase in Large Lots

According to news reports, the working committee has recommended that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) revise its procurement plan for locomotives and rolling stock by developing a comprehensive master plan to be submitted for Cabinet approval. This approach would enable more streamlined and timely implementation, especially to meet the demands of the expanding double-track railway network. The committee also suggested bundling purchases into large packages, which would result in lower costs compared to fragmented, smaller-scale procurements.

“The State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) procurement plan for locomotives and rolling stock is currently too fragmented. In principle, there should be a master plan outlining the total number of locomotives, passenger coaches, and freight wagons required. Bundling procurement into large packages would enhance SRT’s bargaining power with manufacturers, leading to lower prices compared to piecemeal purchasing.

For example, future passenger coaches are planned to be fully air-conditioned and commercially operated, to improve service standards. Meanwhile, social welfare services will be supported through the government’s welfare card program, allowing eligible passengers to use the same trains without the need to separate commercial and social service trains. This will streamline operations and reduce unnecessary duplication.”

Locomotive and Rolling Stock Plan Worth Over 175 Billion Baht to Support Double-Track Railways

The State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) rehabilitation plan not only includes the development of Phase 2 of the double-track rail network and new double-track routes, but also covers the procurement and maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock to support these expansions and enhance service efficiency and revenue generation.

The procurement of new locomotives is intended to replace aging units currently in service, improve competitiveness, and promote a shift toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly transportation. The plan emphasizes the use of advanced, eco-friendly technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

A long-term estimate shows that hybrid locomotives, when compared to conventional diesel locomotives, could save approximately 225.89 million baht annually in fuel costs over a 30-year period.

The plan to procure locomotives and wheels has an investment budget of approximately 169,327 million baht, including:

1. Project to procure 113 diesel-electric locomotives with spare parts, budget 23,730 million baht, to replace old locomotives, currently being proposed to the Cabinet, expected to procure in 2026, delivered within 2028

2. Project to procure 184 air-conditioned diesel railcars for commercial service, with spare parts, budget 24,150 million baht, to replace 10 existing trains and open 52 new trains, able to accommodate approximately 4.99 million passengers, expected to generate income of 3,037 million baht, expenses of 1,068 million baht, and profit of 1,969 million baht, currently being proposed to the Cabinet, expected to procure in 2026, delivered within 2028

3. Project to procure 182 commercial service buses with spare parts, budget of 10,502 million baht, to replace buses in express and special express trains, improve comfort for all groups of passengers, reduce energy consumption and be more environmentally friendly, as it can reduce energy consumption from fuel per vehicle by 30%, expected to accommodate approximately 0.39 million more passengers, currently being proposed to the Cabinet, expected to be procured in 2026, delivered in 2028.

4. Project to procure 216 air-conditioned diesel railcars for social services with spare parts, budget of 27,317 million baht, to replace 94 ordinary, suburban and local trains and open 30 Feeder trains, currently being proposed to the SRT board, expected to be proposed to the Cabinet in 2025-2026, procurement in 2026-2027, delivery in 2029

5. Project to procure 946 container bogies (TBT) with spare parts, budget of 2,460 million baht, to increase the efficiency of rail transport services, transport through the Railway Freight Forwarding Center (SRTO) from 410,000 to 470,000 containers per year, and to support container transport from the development of container storage areas (CY) in various regions nationwide. Along the dual-track railway route, phases 1 and 2, the new railway line, estimated to have about 9 million tons, is currently being proposed to the Cabinet. Procurement is expected in 2025 and delivery in 2027.

6. Project to procure 17 interchange locomotives with spare parts, budget of 2,845 million baht. To increase efficiency in train operations in the Krungthep Aphiwat station area and reduce oil consumption. Expected to be proposed to the Cabinet in 2025, procurement in 2026-2027, delivery in 2027.

7. Project to procure 332 diesel railcars for social services with spare parts, budget of 41,987 million baht, to open 26 new routes and 106 dual-track trains in Phase 2. Currently collecting data, to be proposed to the SRT board in 2025, to be proposed to the Cabinet in 2026, procurement in 2026-2027, delivery in 2027.

8. Project to procure 188 air-conditioned diesel railcars for commercial service with spare parts, budget of 23,776 million baht, to open 68 trains on the new route and the second phase of dual-track, expected to be able to accommodate an additional 6.35 million passengers, currently collecting data, to be submitted to the SRT board in 2025, to the cabinet in 2026, to be procured in 2026-2027, and delivered in 2027-2031.

9. Project to procure 273 commercial passenger cars with spare parts, budget of 15,560 million baht, to open 18 trains, expected to be able to accommodate an additional 3.38 million passengers, to be submitted to the SRT board in 2026, to the cabinet in 2026-2027, to be procured in 2027-2038, and delivered in 2028-2032.

Major repairs on “locomotives and passenger cars” cost more than 6.1 billion baht

There is also a plan to upgrade many diesel locomotives and passenger cars, as they are old and often break down, in order to extend their service life for another 10-15 years (while waiting for new locomotives to be purchased) and to generate income from passenger cars and tourist train routes connecting primary to secondary cities in line with government policies, including:

1. Project to repair and improve 36 GEA diesel-electric locomotives Budget 1,692 million baht

2. Project to repair and improve 21 HID diesel-electric locomotives Budget 777 million baht

3. Project to replace 10 ALSTHOM locomotive engines Budget 496 million baht

4. Project to repair and improve 17 KIHA 183 diesel railcars Budget 272 million baht

5. Project to improve the 3rd-class passenger car system to 40 air-conditioned 3rd-class passenger cars Budget 295 million baht

6. The project to modify 12 electric bogie cars, budget of 195 million baht, signed the contract on May 21, 2024, is in the process of designing and modifying the cars, delivery will start in 2025.

7. The project to modify the 2nd class air-conditioned passenger and sleeping cars to be air-conditioned passenger cars, improve the electrical system and closed toilets, 2nd class air-conditioned passenger and sleeping cars, 96 cars, budget of 476 million baht.

8. The project to repair and improve DAEWOO diesel railcars, 39 cars, budget of 975 million baht.

9. The project to repair and improve THN, NKF, and ATR diesel railcars, 24 cars, budget of 874 million baht.

10. The project to modify 10 JR-HOKKAIDO cars (Royal Blossom), budget of 120 million baht.

The SRT rehabilitation plan has been implemented seriously since 2018. The goal is to solve the problems of losses and accumulated debts, as well as increase the efficiency of passenger and freight transport services to make the rail system the country’s main transportation system, with passenger revenue increasing 4 times and freight revenue increasing 5 times, and becoming the best state rail service provider in ASEAN by 2027. However, at present, it is still far from the goal due to various obstacles, both social conditions and technology that are changing rapidly, while the SRT still works in the same old way. Therefore, the SRT must urgently reform the organization to drive in line with the rehabilitation plan…

[Original article รถไฟหนี้พุ่ง 3 แสนล้าน”แผนฟื้นฟู”ส่อหลุดเป้าปี 70 รื้อแผน’รถจักร-ล้อเลื่อน’งบ 1.7 แสนล้านรับ’ทางคู่-สายใหม่’ at mgronline.com. Translation by Google Translate.]

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The government is preparing a major step in developing rail-based transportation. The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) is also targeting the development of a railway network of up to 10,000 km by 2030, and opening the door wide for investment, both from within and outside the country.

This was conveyed directly by the Director General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation, Allan Tandiono at the International Conference on Infrastructure (ICI) 2025 forum in Jakarta, Wednesday (11/6/2025).

He emphasized that trains are an efficient mode of future transportation and play an important role in reducing national logistics costs.

“Good transportation can reduce logistics costs and finally we really believe that trains are a very efficient mode of transportation that can reduce logistics costs that will boost the economy. There is a lot we need to do, but we need more money,” Allan said.

Currently, he continued, the length of railway lines operating in Indonesia is 7,000 km. To achieve the target of 10,000 km by 2030, the government needs large investment support, including in the construction of an underground metro system that requires high costs.

“Indonesia has a big dream to develop our railways. In 2030 we hope to have a railway line of more than 10,000 km. Now we are only operating over 7,000 km, so there is still a lot to be done. To create an underground metro system in the market, now we need around US$ 120 million/km, imagine if we need to build 20 km, how much money the government must provide,” he explained.

In terms of investment, Allan stated the Ministry of Transportation’s commitment to open up and guarantee the comfort and security of investors.

[Photo: A new series of Commuter Line Indonesia (CLI)-125 electric trains enter the platform at Manggarai Station, Jakarta, Tuesday (3/6/2025). (CNBC Indonesia/Faisal Rahman)]

“We are all committed here to be professional and transparent in managing investments in our place from start to finish and this is what we are committed to. We want to do something so that if you do business with us everything will be smooth, smooth and easy and enjoyable,” he said.

Furthermore, he said that investment in the Indonesian railway sector is not only profitable in terms of business, but also has a direct impact on the quality of public transportation services.

“Our commitment is that we will open ourselves to all businesses from local, foreign, investors. We open ourselves, we will protect your investment, we will make sure that there will be certainty in your dealings with us and your money here will be very useful and profitable,” Allan explained.

“So we believe, in addition to your investment, you will also be able to provide better services in the future. Not only in reducing logistics costs, but trains are a mode of transportation that is preferred by many people,” he continued.

Allan also highlighted the public’s enthusiasm for train services in metropolitan areas such as Jabodetabek. He gave examples of the surge in commuter line users, MRT, LRT, and the Jakarta-Bandung fast train.

“In the Jakarta metropolitan area, for example, almost 1 million people use the commuter line. MRT now serves around 100,000 people per day, our LRT also now serves more than 100 thousand passengers per day,” he said.

“The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, when we started the project, many wondered who would take the train because the distance was short. But today, on weekends we serve more than 20,000 passengers,” he added.

According to Allan, the success of these projects must be continued with intermodal integration, especially ensuring easy access to important stations such as Karawang.

“In the future, we believe that with the termination of Karawang, there must be collaboration from other sectors, ensuring (the public) access to these stations becomes easy,” he concluded.

[Original article RI Kejar Target Punya 10.000 Km Rel KA di 2030, Tinggal Sisa Segini by Martyasari Rizky at CNBC Indonesia. Translation by Google Translate.]

The Thap Put-Krabi Railway is a proposed railway in Southern Thailand. The railway will branch off the proposed Surat Thani – Phuket line at Thap Put and connect Krabi and Krabi Airport.

The line will be a double-tracked metre-gauge railway, with a track length of 68 km. The line will have services from Bangkok and Phuket to promote travel in the Andaman coast area, and better connect Krabi to the rest the country via the national rail network.

Thap Put-Krabi Railway Route

Thap Put Railway Station will be a junction station on the Surat Thani – Phang Nga – Tha Nun – Phuket line.

The line goes south along Phetkasem Highway (Highway 4), passing Na Nuea Halt, Khao Yai Halt before entering Ao Luek Station, then Ban Klang Halt, Khlong Hin Station, Khao Kram Station, Krabi Station and terminating at Krabi Airport.

Thap Put-Krabi Railway stations

– Thap Put (interchange with Surat Thani – Phuket Line)
– Ao Luek (medium station)
– Klong Hin (small station)
– Khao Kram (small station)
– Krabi (large station)
– Krabi Airport (large station)

The stations will be designed to show local art, including Ao Luek Station, Krabi Station and Krabi Airport Station.

Krabi Airport station will be connected to the airport passenger terminal building.

[Krabi Airport Station.]

Train services

– Local express train from Phuket to Krabi to distribute tourists and connect the 2 airports.
– Passenger Express / Rapid train on Bangkok-Surat Thani-Krabi route.
– Local train on the Surat Thani-Thap Put-Krabi route.

If this route is constructed, Krabi and Phuket airports will be connected by rail. This will be the second railway in Thailand that connects airports (after the high speed train connecting 3 airports).

Links and resources

srt-thapput-krabi.com – Feasibility study for the railway construction project, Thap Phut-Krabi section.

Facebook: โครงการก่อสร้างทางรถไฟ ช่วงทับปุด-กระบี่ (Railway construction project, Thap Phut-Krabi section).

Southern Double-track Railway (Thap Put – Krabi) – Skyscrapercity news and discussion.

News archive

2026

Krabi residents demand route change for 33bn baht rail project – [29/05/26]
“More than 100 residents in Krabi’s Ao Luek district are urging the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to alter the path of the planned Thap Put-Krabi railway line, warning that the current route will devastate local communities and vast tracts of farmland.”

2025

Thailand Infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh – Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, representatives of the Vietnam Railway Authority, and representatives of relevant departments, branches and localities. The parties discussed the detailed planning plan, including the locations of stations, intersections with seaports and ports managed by the Ministry of National Defense.

According to the report of the Department of Construction of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau railway line is about 84 km long, of which the section through Ba Ria – Vung Tau province is more than 64 km long, passing through the areas of Phu My, Tien Cang Vung Tau, Hoi Bai, Ba Ria, Vung Tau and ending at Vung Tau Station (Nguyen An Ninh Ward, Vung Tau City). This line includes 5 main stations, 4 stations in the port and 3 Depots, connecting directly with major seaports such as Tan Cang, Cai Mep Port Cluster, Thi Vai Port Cluster and Cai Mep Ha Logistic Center.

[The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau railway has been researched by the Ministry of Transport since July 2017.]

The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau railway route is planned according to Decision No. 1769/QD-TTg dated October 19, 2021 of the Prime Minister, included in the Railway Network Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. This is an important route, contributing to connecting the inter-regional transport system, reducing pressure on roads and supporting socio-economic development.

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province Nguyen Cong Vinh emphasized the need for close coordination between relevant units and consulting units in the process of surveying and implementing the planning, especially in the area of ​​Vung Tau city. Mr. Vinh also noted the need to ensure consistency and accuracy between localities in order to create a reasonable plan that meets long-term development needs.

The unification of the planning of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau railway route will create favorable conditions for connecting transport infrastructure, promoting socio-economic development and effectively exploiting the province’s seaport system in the future.

[Original article Thảo luận về quy hoạch tuyến đường sắt Biên Hòa – Vũng Tàu published at baophapluat.vn. Translation by Google Translate.]

The Selangor Rail Line is a proposed railway in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The proposed line will run along the North Selangor coast from Klang to Sabak (near the boundary of Perak state).

Selangor surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, and the state includes part of the Greater Kuala Lumpur area (or Klang Valley area). The proposed line would connect to the under-construction East Coast Rail Link. This would enable the Selangor Rail Line to integrate with the rail system of Peninsula Malaysia.

[Selangor section of the ECRL.]

The project is included in the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).

Proposed Selangor Rail Line stations

– Klang (East Coast Rail Link)
– Kapar (East Coast Rail Link)
– Jeram
– Kuala Selangor
– Sekinchan
– Sabak Bernam

Selangor Rail Line map

This map shows the proposed towns and cities and not the actual station locations. The map shows the Selangor stations of the West Coast Line for reference.

[Map of proposed Selangor Rail Line.]

News archive

2025

https://selangorjournal.my/2025/06/kita-selangor-rail-final-piece-of-klang-valley-transport-puzzle-says-mb/ – [05/06/25]
“With the groundbreaking of the Selangor Aero Park (SAP) today, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari called the proposed Kita Selangor Rail the final piece of the puzzle that would connect the Klang Valley’s industry, people, and major transport networks.”

Selangor Kita Rail Line completion expected in 10 years – [20/02/25]

Selangor Rail Line to roll out in phases over 10 years, state assembly told – [19/02/25]

Imagine going from Sabak Bernam to KLIA in under two hours: Exco says Selangor Rail plan for that and more in feasibility study now – [19/02/25]

2024

https://selangorjournal.my/2024/11/kita-selangor-rail-line-to-stretch-into-negeri-sembilan-new-spur-lines-planned-announced-mb/ – [15/11/24]

Selangor Rail Line-ECRL integration to spur urbanisation in state’s northern corridor – [31/10/24]

Selangor plans to connect its own proposed rail line with ECRL – [29/10/24]
““In the future, Selangor plans to introduce what we call the Selangor Rail Line. Our plan includes at least two stations, one in Kuala Selangor and possibly one in Klang, that will connect with the existing ECRL alignment.”

Proposed new rail line could transform Northern Selangor towns – [08/07/24]
“In this year’s budget, the state government will conduct a feasibility study for the Selangor Rail Line on the west coast of the state, using a RM3 million allocation.”

MB: Plan to realise northern region rail line to be presented this year – [25/02/24]
“Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that all efforts will be focused on the state’s northern region to develop the Kita Selangor Rail Line.”

2023

Plans for rail line from Klang to Kuala Selangor to be proposed – [05/08/23]

Selangor to send proposal to extend railway alignment to MOT after polls – [05/08/23]

Trans-Borneo Railway is a proposed railway that would traverse the island of Borneo through Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, and there have been announcements for a proposed railway that would link the major cities. A more realistic scenario is that railways are built over time that connect nearby cities, eventually forming a trans-island railway.

In addition to a line that would loop around the island connecting the three countries, there are planned lines to the interior that would be used primarily for mining, with passenger trains sharing the line.

Sabah State Railway is currently the only passenger railway in Borneo.

Without a defined Trans-Borneo route, this page lists news and announcements about railways on the island of Borneo.

Trans-Borneo Railway maps

[Map of Trans-Borneo Railway.]

Kalimantan Rail Network Plan in 2030 to be 1,400 Km.

– Developing intercity railways network: Banjarmasin-Balikpapan-Samarinda-Bontang-Tenggarong-Kotabangun, Banjarmasin-Palangkaraya, Pontianak-Mempawah-Singkawang;
– Developing railways network from mining area to seaport: Samarinda, Balikpapan and Banjarmasin;
– Railways network with coal potency: Puruk Cahu – Bangkuang, Bangkuang – Lupak Dalam, Kudangan – Kumai, Muara Wahau – Lubuk Tutung, Bontang – Sangkulirang – Tanjung Redep, Tanjung Barabai – Martapura – Banjarmasin, Tanjung – Buntok – Muara Teweh.

[Map by Directorate General of Railways – MOT. Download Powerpoint presentation]

Kalimantan Railway Map.

[Map by detik.com.]

Map of Future Indonesia: Kalimantan by samuel tambunan.

“The main railroad is Trans-Kalimantan, connecting 4 major provincial capitals from Pontianak to Samarinda.

Secondary networks connecting each capital with smaller cities in their respective provinces, such as Western Kalimantan or Meratus Line.”

Links and resources

brunergyutama.com – Trans-Borneo Railways. Borneo’s first high-speed bullet train network.

WEST BORNEO | West Borneo Railways | Part of Trans Borneo Railways | Development & Issue – skyscrapercity.com news and discussion.
Proposed routes:
– Pontianak – Mempawah – Singkawang – Sambas (175.5 km, High Priority)
– Sambas – Kuching (Sarawak) (123 km, High Priority)
– Pontianak – Sanggau (150 km, Medium Priority)
– Sanggau – Sintang – Putussibau (283.5 km, Low Priority)
– Sambas – Sanggau (192 km, Low Priority)
– Sanggau – Pangkalan Bun (Central Borneo) (417 km, Low Priority)

East Kalimantan Railway
“East Kalimantan railway project is a development of 203 km single track railway to be supported with other infrastructure such as the stations, coal jetty, seaport, and coal fired power plant (15 MW). PT. Kereta Api Borneo will operate the project. The project scope includes West Kutai Regency, Paser Regency, Penajam Paser Utara regency, and Balikpapan city.”

The construction of KA Purukcahu – Bangkuang railway, Central Kalimantan
“The construction of the 422 Km long Purukcahu – Bangkuang railway is meant for coal transportation with the capacity of 50 million ton/year.”

KALIMANTAN ISLAND | Central Kalimantan – East Kalimantan Railways | Part of Trans Kalimantan Railway – skyscrapercity.com news and discussion.

News archive

2026

Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study expected by mid-year – [03/03/26]

2025

Preliminary railway alignment proposed for Trans-Borneo Railway project, says Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister – [28/11/25]

Transport Ministry studying feasibility of Trans Borneo Railway, findings expected by mid-2026 – [17/11/25]

Malaysia mulls railway link to Brunei, Kalimantan, with vision to encircle Borneo – [09/09/25]

Could a Trans-Borneo Railway transform Sabah? – [23/08/25]

Feasibility study for Trans-Borneo Railway to conclude in 2026 – [14/08/25]

Study on TransBorneo Railway among plans – [01/08/25]
“…a feasibility study for the Transborneo Railways project in Sabah and Sarawak is being conducted and will form the basis of the development of the first rail system in East Malaysia.”

Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study expected to conclude in 2026 – [11/03/25]

Brunei to monitor feasibility of rail network with Malaysia – [11/03/25]

Trans Borneo Rail to prioritise cargo with 70 pct capacity, feasibility study set for 2025 – [11/03/25]

Expedite construction of Trans-Borneo railway project – [17/02/25]

2024

‘Trans-Borneo Railway project feasibility study will take 12 months’ – [18/11/24]

KDC chairman: Proposed Trans-Borneo Railway a catalyst for S’wak’s economic growth, sustainable development – [16/11/24]

Dr Jerip: Consultants to be appointed for Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study – [13/11/24]

Proposed Sarawak-Sabah-Kalimantan project categorised as Mega Asean Connectivity project – [20/10/24]
“The proposed railway link is going to be one of the biggest railway projects in Asean.”

Sarawak advancing transport links with Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study, expected to bolster eco-tourism, trade and regional connectivity – [19/10/24]

Awg Tengah: Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study underway, set to boost regional connectivity – [18/10/24]
“The feasibility study for the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway project is ongoing, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.”

Consultant appointed for surveys into ambitious mega Trans-Borneo Railway project – [12/10/24]
“Earlier this year, the Federal Works Ministry in Putrajaya had also given a big “yes” to the ambitious plan to construct this mega railway project on Borneo Island.”

Feasibility study for Trans-Borneo Railway project expected to begin in Nov 2024 – [12/10/24]

Study on planning and development of Borneo Railway discussed – [20/07/24]

Study on Trans-Borneo Railway project to complete in August 2025 – [03/07/24]
“Transport minister Loke Siew Fook says the feasibility study is expected to commence in August this year and will take up to 12 months.”

Pre-feasibility study on trans Borneo railway development – [21/06/24]
“The chairman of BIMP-EAGA Business Council, Dr Raymond Alfred, through Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd met with the management of China Railway 14th Bureau Group Corporation Limited in Jinan, China recently, to discuss the possible cooperation to venture into or possible project investment in Sabah.”

Tender process underway on railway feasibility study – [13/05/24]
“Transport Ministry is now part of the technical committee of the Trans Borneo Railway Feasibility Study.”

Trans-Borneo rail link proposed – [08/04/24]
“Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the proposed Trans Borneo Railway project linking Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesian Kalimantan will be a boon to Borneo Island if it becomes a reality.”

No company appointed for Trans Borneo Railway project, says Brunei govt – [05/04/24]

Jakarta has ‘no idea’ about Brunei HSR network – [04/04/24]

Sipitang to experience economic growth from Trans Borneo Railway proposal – [03/04/24]

Jokowi responds to Brunei High-speed train linking IKN, Malaysia – [03/04/24]

No talks yet on Brunei’s Trans-Borneo rail project: Jokowi – [03/04/24]

RI officials no idea about Bruneian firm’s HSR proposal in Kalimantan – [03/04/24]
“The government has denied any knowledge of a proposal by a Bruneian infrastructure company to build a high-speed railway (HSR) network connecting the three countries on Borneo Island, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, dubbed the Trans Borneo Railway.”

Borneo railway project only a proposal: Malaysia – [02/04/24]

Sarawak unlikely to be part of Trans Borneo Railway Project proposal – Abang Jo – [02/04/24]

Chai: Proposed Trans Borneo Railway project to boost economic growth to Borneo region – [01/04/24]

Shafie Apdal: Trans Borneo Railway route should involve Sabah east coast – [01/04/24]

Transport minister: Trans Borneo Railway project hasn’t been offered to any companies – [01/04/24]
“The high-speed rail network connecting Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia, known as the Trans Borneo Railway project, is still a proposal and has not been offered to any companies, said Minister of Transport Anthony Loke.”

Brunei firm pitches 1,600 km high-speed rail linking Indonesia, Malaysia – [01/04/24]
“A Brunei-based infrastructure company has announced a proposal for the first high-speed railway on the island of Borneo that would connect Brunei with its two larger neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia, including the former’s future capital city.”

Sabah in the dark about Brunei company’s high-speed rail network – [31/03/24]

Trans Borneo Railway: Sarawak has not been officially informed, says Abang Johari – [31/03/24]
“The Sarawak government has not been officially informed of a proposal made by a Brunei-based company to start a high-speed rail network that would pass several destinations in the state.”

Sabah sees trans Borneo railway a boon if it materialises, says Hajiji – [31/03/24]
“Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that the proposed project would open up connectivity among the people in the world’s third largest island.”

Brunei company announces Trans Borneo Railway high-speed rail network project – [30/03/24]
“The first high-speed rail network in Borneo has been proposed, set to shorten the travelling distances between Kalimantan, Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei.

Brunei based Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd, on its website, announced that the Trans Borneo Railway project would be implemented in two phases involving routes spanning 1,620 kilometres.”

Proper planning needed for rail linking Bintulu Port to Nusantara – [25/03/24]

Sim floats idea of rail linking Bintulu to Nusantara – [24/03/24]
“From Bintulu Port to the new capital of Indonesia, Nusantara, it is only a few hundred kilometres. So, with the high-speed railway like China, people can arrive in Nusantara from Bintulu in three hours,”.

Trans Borneo Railway? Who knows, but Sabah has its own train plan, says Shahelmey – [17/03/24]
“Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said there were not many details discussed yet about the proposed Trans Borneo Railway in the Bornean region.”

2023

Include Tenom in Pan Borneo railway – [26/11/23]
“The Transport Ministry should include Tenom in the Federal Government’s Railway Service Transformation agenda to develop a railway service connecting Sabah and Sarawak to Indonesia, said Tenom MP Riduan Rubin.”

Put aside KL-S’pore HSR project and build Trans-Borneo Railway instead, Lo tells Putrajaya – [22/11/23]

Batu Kitang rep says trans-Borneo railway will boost development in S’wak, Sabah – [22/11/23]

Putrajaya gives nod to S’wak-Sabah-Kalimantan mega-railway project – [13/11/23]
“Cost to be determined after feasibility study, says federal works minister.”

Proposed Pan Borneo Railway should be extended to Indonesia, says Works Minister – [13/11/23]

Japan explores IKN railway line project – [10/11/23]
“The government will build four railway projects in the 2025-2029 period: airport trains, urban trains within the Central Government Core Area (KIPP), urban trains within Kalimantan, and intercity.”

Govt to study feasibility of building pan-Borneo railway, says Transport Minister – [06/11/23]

S’wak-Sabah-Kalimantan mega railway proposal gains ground -[31/10/23]
“Trans-Borneo initiative has already drawn interest from foreign parties with railway expertise.”

Feasibility study on Borneo Island railway mega project to commence next year – [31/10/23]

Trans-Borneo Railway good on paper, but focus on roads, says economist – [24/10/23]

Govt to study proposal for Trans-Borneo Railway, says Loke – [10/10/23]
“The government will conduct a feasibility study for a proposed railway linking Sabah and Sarawak to Indonesia, says transport minister Loke Siew Fook.”

Abang Johari says Sarawak is embarking on trans-Borneo railway study and development project – [06/09/23]

Malaysia working on plans to build Sabah, Sarawak rail link to Indonesia’s new capital – [03/08/23]

Govt mulls developing the railway network in Sabah, Sarawak – [03/08/23]

Trans-Borneo Railway will benefit region, says transport expert – [07/06/23]
“The proposal to build a Trans-Borneo Railway linking the two East Malaysian states with Indonesia and, possibly, Brunei will benefit the region, says a transport expert.”

Don’t overlook Labuan in Trans-Borneo Railway project, says group – [29/05/23]
“Labuan must be included in the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway after being overlooked in previous mega development projects, says a business group.”

“Labuan must not be overlooked during the planning phase and we urge the state government to establish rail connections from Mempakul (near Labuan) to Beaufort, ensuring Labuan’s seamless integration within the envisioned Trans-Borneo railway network”.

Premier: Sarawak proposes construction of Trans-Borneo Railway – [27/05/23]
“Sarawak has proposed the construction of the Trans-Borneo Railway, a train service across the island of Borneo.”

“This train service is expected to pass through Sabah, and also connect with Kalimantan, Indonesia. Hence, there should also be discussions between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, because this project may involve these three countries,”

Federal govt has no plans to build Sabah-Sarawak-Brunei-Nusantara railway yet – [09/03/23]

2022

Senator wants Putrajaya to build Trans-Borneo railway and Sarawak-Nusantara Highway – [24/03/22]

Russian Railways pulls out, Borneo Railway project worth Rp53.3 trillion canceled – 05/03/22]
“The construction of Borneo railway project spanning 203 km that goes through North Penajam Paser Regency, West Kutai Regency, and Balikpapan worth Rp53.3 trillion is canceled because Russian Railways as the investor pulled out.”

2017

Governor optimistic South Kalimantan railway to be realized – [31/05/17]
“The railway line that will be built starts from the port of Trisakti Banjarmasin to Tabalong district.

The routes covered Trisakti Port, Jalan Gubernur Soebarjo (south ringroad), Jalan Gubernur Syarkawi (north ringroad), Syamsudin Noor Airport, and Cempaka (Banjarbaru).

Then in Banjar district include Martapura and Simpang Empat Pengaron. Passed to Rantau (Tapin District), and Kandangan (South Hulu Sungai).

Furthermore, this railway line will be forwarded to Barabai (Central Hulu Sungai), Balangan and Tanjung (Tabalong district).

Special Balangan, the railway will cross two sub-districts, Batumandi and Lampihong, while for sub-station will be built in the Village of Mampari, Lampihong.”

Governor halts work on coal railway being built without permits in Indonesian Borneo – [30/05/17]
“…the developers of the Katingan-Gunung Mas coal railway had cleared forest land and laid roughly two kilometers (1.25 miles) of track despite apparently not having secured all of the necessary permits.”

Jokowi to get Kalimantan on track with rail plan – [22/05/17]
“The 2,428 kilometre long railway will span North to South Kalimantan, as well as routes from West to Central Kalimantan.

According to the Ministry of Transportation General Director, construction will begin in 2019 along to 89 km Balikpapan-Samarinda line, the 234 km Tanjung-Balikpapan route and the Banjarmasin-Palangkaraya route stretching 194 kms.

Four other huge routes — Batas Negara-Tanjung Redep (279 km), Tanjung Redep-Lubuktutung (293 km), Sanggau-Palangkaraya (587 km), Sanggau-Pontianak (143 km), and Pontianak-Batas Negara (268 km) — are also in the preparation stage.

According to the Train Network Strategic Development Plan 2015-2019, all new routes are targeted to be finished by 2030.”

2015

Russian railways to build tracks in Kalimantan – [27/10/15]
“…the island of Kalimantan will this November see the groundbreaking of tracks that run from East Kalimantan to South Kalimantan.”

“…the dual-railway project in Kalimantan is meant to transport passengers and goods.

Russian Railways, which is a state-owned firm that manages infrastructure and operates freight and passenger train services, will build the 900-kilometer project. It will cost Rp 72 trillion which will be sourced from the Russian firm.”

Russian Transport Firm to Break Ground on E. Kalimantan Railway Next Month – [16/10/15]
“Kereta Api Borneo, the local unit of Russian Railways, is mulling plans to break ground for its 190-kilometer railway in East Kalimantan on Nov. 17, marking the beginning of the country’s multi-billion dollar investment in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

The railway, that will connect coal hub West Kutai with oil city and port Balikpapan, was part of a $33 billion investment plan from Russian investors, said M. Yadi Sabianoor, head of regional corporate affair at Kereta Api Borneo.”

Russia reportedly to invest $34m in East Kalimantan railway, infrastructure – [25/09/15]
“Russia’s biggest rail and locomotive company, Russian Railways, earlier completed a feasibility study to build tracks stretching almost 190 kilometers from West Kutai to Balikpapan – Indonesia’s coal and oil hubs, respectively.

Bere said this could start as a freight or a passenger railway, depending on market demand.”

Study on railway line from KK to S’kan, Tawau – [19/09/15]
“The Federal Government through the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the State Government, is studying the possibility of extending the railway line from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and Tawau so as to further enhance economic growth.Stating this, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said although railway is a State matter, his Ministry would not hesitate to help for the common good of Malaysia and Sabah.”

2013

Company appointed to provide consultancy services for railway network – [26/11/13]
“Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) has appointed SMEC (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to provide engineering consultancy services for the proposed railway network linking Samalaju Industrial Park-Bintulu-Mukah-Tanjung Manis.”

“Manyin said BDA had appointed PU Consortium in 2010 to conduct an initial study of the railway network. The study, completed on Aug 31, 2011 came up with several recommendations.

Among them was further investigation into the extension of the proposed railway network linking other major towns – Sibu, Miri, Kuching – and Sabah and possible international connections to Brunei and Kalimantan.”

Brunei low-cost airline to start ops in 2014 – [02/07/13]
“Besides the airline, the MoU covers three other projects, also to commence in the first quarter of next year – the RM63.3 billion Trans-Borneo railway, RM3.2 billion Trans-Borneo bus service and RM6.4 billion Asean halal hub projects.”

“Meanwhile, Suharani said the 4,440km railway service will cover Kalimantan, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei and expand the market reach of timber, coal and other mineral resources.”

2012

Russian Railways to build $1.7 bln coal line in Indonesia – govt – [07/02/12]
“Russia’s state railway firm Russian Railways plans to build a train line to transport coal in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province on Borneo island, with $1.7 billion of investment for a first phase due to be operating by 2017”.

“The first stage of the railway will be meant for coal, but hopefully we can also use it for crude palm oil plantation harvests, rubber and people,”.

2010

MEC may expand railway in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan – [14/04/10]
“MEC’s executive vice chairman, Madhu Koneru, said there was potential to expand the 130-kilometre-long railway project, with scope to build as much as 1,000 km of railway in East Kalimantan.”

Indonesia private railway freight corridor – [15/03/10]
“MEC Infrastructure is constructing a first-of-its-kind private railway line in Indonesia. The company will build a 130km freight corridor in the East Kalimantan province in Indonesia. MEC is a partnership between the Government of Ras al Khaimah, UAE and MEC Holdings.

The new railway corridor will transport coal produced at MEC’s Muara Wahau mine in the East Kutai region of East Kalimantan province to a port terminal at Bengalon. MEC is also constructing a deepwater port at Bengalon.”

2000

Work on trans-Borneo rail line begins in November [15/04/00]
“Two companies today signed a memorandum of understanding to construct a 3,940-kilometre Trans-Borneo railway line, costing RM30 billion, that will link all major towns in Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan by the year 2010.”