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
2025
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.”
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.”
Proposed study on logistics network via rail, air travels to Kalimantan under consideration – [25/09/23]
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.”
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