Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The recently launched electric train service connecting Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru (ETS) is taking nearly 4.5 hours for the journey, prompting discussion about the future of high-speed rail in the region.
Long Journey Times Despite Design Speed
While the 330km rail distance from KL Sentral to JB Sentral could theoretically be covered in three hours given the alignment’s 160kmh design speed, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is currently operating the ETS sets at 140kmh to prioritize safety and manage maintenance costs.
Colonial-Era Infrastructure Presents Challenges
A significant factor contributing to the extended travel time is the age of the existing metre-gauge railway alignment, inherited from the colonial period. This alignment winds through the interiors of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, originally designed for freight transport rather than passenger speed.
Numerous Stops Add to Travel Duration
The new southern ETS service makes 15 stops between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru – including Pulau Sebang (Tampin), Batang Melaka, Gemas, Segamat, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Rengam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, and Kempas Baru – resulting in a journey time of at least four hours and 20 minutes. The train is currently averaging only 76kmh.
Ongoing Rehabilitation Work Impacts Speed
Current Klang Valley Double Track rehabilitation work, stretching from parts of Klang Valley to Seremban, is also contributing to the slower speeds. This situation is expected to continue until 2029 or later.
Future Infrastructure Needs
Experts anticipate further rehabilitation will be needed on other parts of the KTMB network in the coming years, potentially impacting future travel durations. Sections between Seremban and Gemas were completed in 2011 and 2013, respectively, and will require full renewal at some point.
High-Speed Rail Debate Continues
Some have suggested that the completion of the Gemas-Johor Baru double track, coupled with the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link by the end of 2026, may negate the need for the proposed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR). However, analysts point to the high volume of cross-border traffic as a potential bottleneck at customs and immigration.
RTS Link Considerations
There is a 450m gap between the ETS platform at JB Sentral and the RTS station, though a travelator will be provided. Due to expected congestion, a journey from KL Sentral to Singapore via the RTS during peak hours could take up to six hours.
Passenger Experience
One passenger documented a 7.5-hour journey from JB Sentral to KL after starting her trip from Bugis in Singapore.
HSR’s Potential Benefits
The original Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR proposal aimed for a non-stop journey of 90 minutes, with immigration and customs completed before boarding. The HSR could also reduce travel time to Iskandar Puteri to just two hours. The HSR could allow commuters to live in cities like Seremban and reach Kuala Lumpur in under 30 minutes.
Industry Perspectives
Samuel Tan, chief executive of Olive Tree Property Consultants, believes the HSR competes with air travel and private cars for business and affluent leisure travelers, not buses or the ETS. T.C. Chew, managing director for the Asia-Pacific region at Arup, noted that the current ETS journey time is insufficient to facilitate a daily cross-border workforce.
Experts also highlight that the HSR’s proposed stations would be located to encourage development of high-value industries, unlike the limitations of existing towns along the KTMB network.
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