With the bilateral agreement finally inked on 13 December 2016, the two countries can begin the process of calling for tenders, which will be carried out progressively in 2017, as such, this conference provides an alternative platform to uncover crucial information that is critical to all forward thinking industry players intend to vie for the lucrative Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail project, as for the stakeholders, an opportunity to have a head-start to identify new strategies to implement and successfully deliver HSR project, drawing reference from key success factors from other HSR projects, including issues to be resolved and setting new benchmark
Rail is an effective way to deliver mass transit to a large number of people. Against this notion, Singapore and Malaysia have signed a landmark bilateral agreement for a multi-billion-dollar High Speed Rail project that will provide a fast, safe and comfortable transportation from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. The fast trains, which can reach a top speed of 350km per hour, will reduce the travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to just 90 minutes, compared with four to five hours by road. In addition, the HSR project brings lucrative opportunities to all forward thinking industry players to bid for the construction of high speed rail infrastructure, including all aspects of the HSR development, from construction, operation, rolling-stock, financing, signaling system, as well as development of new townships and facilities along the 350km-long dual track line. As for the stakeholders, this conference provides an opportunity to have a head-start to identify new strategies and managing risk to ensure successful delivery of HSR project, drawing reference from key success factors from other HSR projects. Moving forward, the first tender will be called in early 2017 for a joint development partner to provide advice on operational, technical and procurement matters, while a joint tender to build a high-speed rail system will open in the fourth quarter of 2017 and contract award is expected by the end of 2018. The HSR line is expected to commence operations by 31 December 2026.