HSR KL – SG is not enough. Better for HSR to link to China to be feasible

HSR KL – SG is not enough. Better for HSR to link to China to be feasible

We do not yet have latest news after MyHSR Corporation, the government-owned entity overseeing the HSR’s development closed the January 15 2024 deadline to receive concept proposals from seven local and international consortia. Yes, seven concept proposals which meant even more time to sit down, analyse, discuss, get some professionals to be consultants etc. Now, we have news discussing the benefits of the HSR and how it could be more feasible.

Article in nst.com.my. There will be more economies of scale if the rail line extends all the way to China, said Dr. Yeah Kim Leng, a professor of economics at Sunway University Business School.

Singapore’s participation is crucial for the high-speed rail (HSR) project’s economic viability and success, he added.

Yeah said the rail link to China via Thailand is already being pursued using existing rail tracks, including the completed north and south double-track railway system.

“The high-speed Asian rail network is a long-term aspiration that is gradually becoming a reality with the completed project in Laos and with both Thailand and Vietnam also actively pursuing having their own high-speed rails,” he told Business Times.

Samuel Tan, a senior consultant said, “Malaysia can potentially become a key part of the Pan Asian Railway Network, linking the country, Singapore, Indo-China, China and Europe. With that in place, more investors will be keen to invest here, as traveling by rail becomes seamless.” Please read more details here: Article in nst.com.my.

I am a HSR KL – SG supporter

No, I do not own any land along the line if that’s a question. Could not afford it too. If you read kopiandproperty.com long enough, you know I am a supporter for the High Speed Rail aka HSR KL – SG. I have written many times that the argument about ticket prices covering the cost of construction is NOT a good comparison because everywhere in the whole world, when it’s a public transportation project, there are usually no way that it could be profitable except maybe the MTR in Hong Kong.

Reason is because they also own the real estates along the MTR lines which meant good recurring rental income. Hopefully MyHSR also have something like how Hong Kong does it in mind. Transportation basic idea is for movements to happen and thus generating economic growth and benefits.

Coming back to Malaysia’s HSR, I think this will ensure the movement of people between KL and SG. In case everyone does not know, the KL – SG flight route is one of the busiest in the world if already not the busiest. More people movement, more economic integration and growth. Simple fact, if HSR KL – SG is successful. Now, there’s a view that if the HSR extends all the way to China, then it will achieve a higher economies of scale. All the best to the planners.