HSR: Set to Change the Future  

Singapore and Malaysia are changing the future with the help of High Speed Rail (HSR). The two countries are following the steps of Japan. Believe it or not Japan’s bullet train system (which is called Shinkansen) paved way to its success as an economic powerhouse here in Asia.

The train system will literally change the landscape. Apart from that, the inter-connectedness of the people will surely set the stage for economic progress. The good news is that Japan is interested to share its bullet train technology for the HSR project.

According to the reports, the project will start next year and it will be completed by the end of 2020. Here are some things that you need to know about the project:

• Span: Malaysia and Singapore seek to be more connected so the project will span over 300 kilometre. There will be 8 stops to include Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, Musajaya and the Singapore itself.
• Economic impact: An official from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan said that the impact will depend on the size of the passengers. It was mentioned earlier that there will be 8 stops; that alone can have a big impact on local markets.

• Costs: The economic benefits are potentially huge but there is another issue the two partners are facing- the costs. The costs to build the project are also enormous. Most of Japan’s Shinkansen project relied on loans which led to the privatization of their national railways. Reports revealed that it will cost at least US $8 billion to US $24 billion.