Singapore-KL HSR to run in 2020: SPAD CEO

The much-anticipated high-speed rail (HSR) link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur will be operational by 2020, as the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will exert efforts to ramp up its construction.“We are working very hard to ensure that the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore railway link is operational by 2020,” according to SPAD CEO Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal.Currently, the feasibility study for the huge project is at the final stages of preparation. Meanwhile, the tender call will start once necessary agreements with Singapore are furnished.“The government will identify the best mechanism for project tender and according to existing procedures and guidelines,” he said.The development will cost around RM40 billion to include RM10 billion for the bullet trains, said reports. There have also been news that an international open tender for the 400km project will be called by end of 2013, although nothing is confirmed yet. Companies interested to bid must comply with mandatory requirements for the tender procurement, including expertise in running high-speed trains and operating railway lines as well as transfer of technology, type of systems used and costs.