KUCHING, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The proposed Trans-Borneo Railway project will feature a main alignment in Sarawak traversing key population centres, industrial zones and major seaports across the state, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was told today.
Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the recommended main alignment broadly spans the Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri divisions before continuing into Brunei as well as re-entering Sarawak through the Limbang division.
He said the study, which confirmed the ambitious regional mega project by the federal government, is technically feasible and strategically significant, and also proposed seamless connectivity to key economic gateways, including Kuching Port, Tanjung Manis Port, Bintulu Port, Samalaju Port and Miri Port.
“The study found that the Trans-Borneo Railway is technically feasible and strategically significant…with the proposed network intended to strengthen connectivity between major population centers, industrial areas, ports, airports, and logistics nodes across Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia,” he said during the question-and-answer session.
Dr Jerip was responding to a supplementary question by Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) on the proposed route of the railway and general findings of the feasibility study of the project.
He said to further enhance regional economic integration, the feasibility study also outlined potential rail linkages extending into Kalimantan, Indonesia.
“However, given the scale of the cross-border network, the feasibility study recommends a phased implementation approach to ensure smooth execution and financial viability.
“Priority corridors will be identified based on local demand, strategic importance, economic development impact, affordability, fiscal capacity, development readiness, land and right-of-way conditions and funding availability,” he said.
The comprehensive feasibility study, conducted by the federal’s Ministry of Transport, was completed last Aug 7 and its findings were presented to the Steering Committee.
He said the federal government is currently evaluating the final report, focusing on funding responsibilities, project governance, land requirements and the appropriate implementation framework.
-- BERNAMA