High-Speed Rail For Asia's Largest Island: Brunei Firm Pitches 1,600-Km Project For Borneo Linking Indonesia, Malaysia

Brunei-based infrastructure giant Brunergy Utama has unveiled plans for the inaugural high-speed railway network spanning across the island of Borneo.

Borneo is divided between Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. It is the largest island of Asia.

This ambitious project aims to connect Brunei with its larger neighbours, Indonesia and Malaysia, including the future capital city of Indonesia.

The Trans-Borneo Railways, spanning 1,620 kilometres (km) from west to east Borneo, promises to revolutionise connectivity in the region. Running through the lush landscapes and resource-rich territories of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, this initiative marks a significant step towards integrated regional development.

The project envisions four major terminals and a network of 24 stations strategically positioned along the route. With the bullet train set to soar at speeds of up to 350 km per hour, it is estimated to cost $70 billion.

The first phase of the project proposes to link Pontianak, the capital of Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, with key Malaysian cities such as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, along with Brunei's Tutong district.

Additionally, plans are in place to extend the railway network southward, connecting Tutong with Indonesia's North Kalimantan and East Kalimantan provinces, including strategic cities like Samarinda and Balikpapan, and ultimately the future Indonesian capital of Nusantara.

While hailed as a potential economic catalyst by Sabah State Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, with promises of bolstered trade, industrial growth, and enhanced tourism, the project's future remains uncertain.

Malaysian Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi has indicated initial interest, with feasibility studies underway in Sabah and Sarawak.

However, Sarawak's Premier Abang Johari Openg highlights a lack of official engagement from the state government, echoing sentiments from Indonesian counterparts who await further discussions, reports NikkeiAsia.

As stakeholders deliberate the feasibility and implications of this transformative initiative, the proposal stands as a testament to the vision for enhanced connectivity and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Yet, with official endorsements pending and discussions ongoing, the fate of the Trans-Borneo Railways hangs in the balance, awaiting the green light for its historic journey towards realisation.