New Borneo Railway: A Strategic Cross-State Rail Corridor for East Malaysia
Did you know? The Borneo Railway project is entering a crucial phase. Jointly developed by the Federal Government, Sabah, and Sarawak, this strategic rail network aims to create a new economic rail corridor across East Malaysia.
According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the Ministry of Transport is currently conducting a feasibility study to assess the potential of developing railway networks in Sabah and Sarawak. The study began in June 2025 and is expected to be completed by mid-2026, covering technical feasibility, socio-economic impact, cost assessments, and long-term national financial sustainability.
The consultancy teams have already engaged with federal agencies, state governments, and industry stakeholders, and will later initiate engagements with Brunei and Indonesia to ensure alignment with cross-border development plans.
The railway is expected to prioritise freight (70%) and passenger transport (30%), with its concept modeled after the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), aiming to support logistics and industrial development in Sabah and Sarawak.
The New Borneo Railway is set to redefine transportation and industrial connectivity across the island, strengthening logistics corridors, trade routes, and cross-border economic links.
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Project Highlights
Positioning & Purpose
• Primary focus: Freight (70%) + Passenger (30%)
• Model reference: ECRL (East Coast Rail Link)
• Purpose: Boost logistics, industry, ports, and inter-city economic chains
• Urban Transit: Kuching ART handles urban mobility separately
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Progress & Timeline
• Feasibility study approved by Federal Government
• Study start: June 2025
• Expected completion: Mid-2026
• Scope: Technical feasibility, commercial models, socioeconomic impact, financing structure
• Goal: Formulate a long-term development blueprint for the Borneo Railway
📌 Next inter-agency review meeting: March 12
Focus: Proposed routes, infrastructure needs, port-logistics integration.
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Participating Authorities
• Federal Ministry of Transport
• Sabah State Government
• Sarawak State Government
• Transport & infrastructure agencies
• Future consultations: Brunei & Indonesia
This railway is not solely a federal initiative, but a jointly led multi-government regional strategy.
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Cross-Border Vision: Trans-Borneo High-Speed Rail (Private Proposal)
Beyond the government-led freight-focused route, Brunei stakeholders have proposed an ambitious Trans-Borneo High-Speed Rail, linking Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and Indonesia’s Kalimantan.
Proposed Specs
• Length: 1,620 km
• Speed: 300–350 km/h
• Stations: 24
• Terminals: 4
• Main hub: Tutong, Brunei
Proposed Phases
1️⃣ Pontianak → Kuching → Sibu → Bintulu → Miri → Kota Kinabalu
2️⃣ Northern & Eastern Kalimantan → Nusantara (Indonesia’s new capital)
If implemented, this could become one of Southeast Asia’s most strategic island rail networks.
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Strategic Impact
• Establish cross-city freight corridors in East Malaysia
• Strengthen port & industrial park connectivity
• Reduce inter-state logistics costs
• Support industrial upgrading in both states
• Enhance links to Indonesia’s new capital
• Position Borneo as a regional economic and rail hub
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Why Freight First? (70% Focus)
• Supports manufacturing and port-driven exports
• Tackles road logistics bottlenecks
• Helps Sabah & Sarawak shift from raw resources to value-added industries
• Works alongside Pan Borneo Highway → Dual network: Road + Rail
This is not just a railway—it is an industrial supply chain.
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A Project That Shapes Borneo’s Next Decade
From Miri to Kota Kinabalu, from Kuching to Kalimantan, the Borneo Railway could reshape trade flows and industrial development for the next 10–20 years.
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Your Thoughts
Do you think the Borneo Railway will transform logistics in Sabah and Sarawak?
Which section should open first?
• Kuching → Sibu
• Bintulu → Miri
• Miri → Kota Kinabalu
Let us know your take!
