As per reported in The Nation (9 Sep 2016). High Speed Rail KL – Singapore may be joined by High Speed Rail KL – Bangkok! Okaylah, it’s just a preliminary study. However, remember all huge infrastructure projects MUST start with preliminary studies? Relevant agencies from both countries will be meeting to explore this. Since this is announced by both Prime Ministers, I think the committees should be serious enough. The main point would definitely be on the potential economic benefits between Bangkok, KL and Singapore.
Imagine this. Breakfast in Singapore, lunch in Kuala Lumpur dinner in Bangkok and still be in time to catch a Muay Thai boxing match in Bangkok! Haha. Note, 2026 is completion of HSR KL – SG. Based on the usual speed, I do not think HSR KL – Bangkok will complete earlier.. Beyond just this HSR KL – Bangkok, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his Thai counterpart Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has also agreed for a study on the possibility of rail connectivity between Hatyai – Padang Besar and Padang Besar – Ipoh. Exciting times ahead if this comes true. It meant a full connectivity from KL itself to Hatyai, potentially.
This was not all. Two bridges would also begin construction in 2017. This will link the border provinces of Narathiwat in Thailand and Kelantan in Malaysia. Specifically, it will Sugnaikolok to Rantau Panjang and Tak Bai to Pengkalan Kubor. I always like all these integration between ASEAN countries. We are definitely not alone against all the regional economic groupings in the world and we should make the best use of all our neighbours! Okay, for now, let’s just hope the relevant ministries could EXPEDITE all discussions and hopefully both KL and Bangkok starts having joint quarterly meetings? Cheers.
written on 9 Sept 2016
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