21/09/2025

ON SUNDAY September 21, 2025 theSunday Special IX

accessible by a rail network. World renowned for punctuality and speed. • Switzerland: Europe’s most inte grated and densest rail network per capita. Nearly 100% electrified. • China: Built over 40,000 km of high-speed rail in just 15 years. Top speed: 350km/h. In a country as vast as China, this makes a huge difference. • Germany, France and Spain: Comprehensive high-speed and re gional networks. • Hong Kong: MTR is clean, punctual and profitable – thanks to land-value capture strategies. • Indonesia: A newcomer on the high speed rail scene. The Jakarta–Bandung “Whoosh” launched commercial ser vice in October 2023, covering 143 km at up to 350km/h. It’s Southeast Asia’s and the Southern Hemisphere’s first commercially operating high-speed line, cutting travel time to around 45 minutes. In 2024, “Whoosh” carried over 6 million passengers, with up to 62 daily services. Indonesia is even exploring an extension to Surabaya to drive further economic integration. With LRT3, ECRL and Penang LRT all progressing, Malaysia is setting itself up for a more sustainable, accessible and efficient public transportation future. Still, Malaysia will need to close gaps in: • Network coverage (especially beyond urban centres) • Service reliability (frequency, punctu ality) • Integration (bus-to-rail, real-time data sharing) • Funding models (transit-oriented development) Final stop: What’s next for our rails? The real test will come post-launch. Will LRT3 trains arrive on time and be well maintained? Can ECRL double as both a passenger express and freight corridor? Will Penang’s LRT truly solve congestion? If we do this right, Malaysia’s trains won’t just serve commuters, they’ll drive our cities, economy and climate goals into the future. S o the next time you’re stuck in traffic, just remember, relief may be on track and pulling into the station soon.

Malaysia’s rail infrastructure R ESIDENTS of the Klang Valley, particularly those in areas such as Shah Alam and Klang, are likely well aware of the LRT3 construction over the BY ASHRAF WAHAB project will reduce vehicle dependency on the island, aid tourism and make Penang more livable and connected. The gold standard: Rail giants around the world We all know people who always say the grass is greener on the other side. Sometimes it’s true and sometimes it isn’t. Malaysia’s rail ambitions are grow ing. However, compared with global heavyweights, where do we stand (or will stand)? • Cleaner air: Rail systems run on electricity, emitting less CO₂ than petrol vehicles. • Less traffic: One train removes dozens of cars from the road. • Efficiency: Trains transport large groups fast and on time. • Economic boost: Improved access boosts jobs, property and local busi ness • Urban planning: Stations act as catalysts for development ECRL: Cross-Peninsular game changer

past few years. Some are annoyed that it is the cause of traffic congestion, while others are hopeful that they’ll get to escape the roads and use the rail system instead. Well, here’s some good news for you. Set to open in late 2025, the LRT3 Shah Alam Line will begin operations. Stretch ing about 37.8km from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia, this long-awaited project is nearly complete. As of June, it was reportedly about 98% finished. The line will feature 20 stations, six of which offer park-and-ride facilities. The LRT3 Shah Alam Line is more than a transport upgrade; it’s a com muter game-changer. It connects to key It also links with existing lines like the Kelana Jaya LRT and MRT networks. For Klang Valley drivers stuck in traffic daily, this means fewer cars and more time saved. Why trains still matter in a car loving nation We often think of trains as old-fashioned, but globally, they’re making a strong comeback for a good reason. Let’s look at just some of the benefits: hotspots, including: • UiTM Shah Alam • Lotus’s Klang • Shaw Centrepoint • AEON Bukit Tinggi

• Japan: The highest echelon of train systems. The Shinkansen boasts an average delay of 24 seconds. Almost every inch of their major cities is

Stretching 665km from Kota Bharu to Gombak and eventually Port Klang, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is Malaysia’s most ambitious rail project. By mid-2024, ECRL was 67% complete. Fast forward to April 2025 and it has hit 82.45%, with expectations of hitting 90% by year-end. Once completed (targeted for early 2027), it will reduce travel time from Kota Bharu to Gombak to around four hours. The ECRL has a dual purpose. It will handle both passengers and freight. For the East Coast, this means better connectivity, more tourism and improved economic opportunities. Penang’s Mutiara Line: Island to mainland connection The Mutiara LRT Line is a 29.5 km route with 21 stations connecting Komtar to Penang Sentral and beyond. June 2025 updates confirm that all technical issues between federal and state agencies have been resolved. Piling works are scheduled to begin as early as July, with large-scale construction kicking off in Q4 2025. Full completion is expected by 2031. This

M alaysia is positioning itself for a more sustainable, accessible and efficient public transportation future.