MALAYSIA: The project promoter for the Malaysian section of the planned Kuala Lumpur – Singapore high speed line has called tenders for the appointment of commercial and technical advisory consultants.

On September 5 2018 the governments of Malaysia and Singapore agreed to put construction of the line on hold until May 31 2020 to give them time to identify options to reduce the costs. The consultants to be appointed by MyHSR will assist with this, helping to optimise the life-cycle cost in line with the Malaysian government’s plans for managing the country’s debt.

The Technical Advisory Consultant would review and validate the proposed alignment and the locations of the stations and depot. The Commercial Advisory Consultant would develop a new business model, update ridership forecasts and produce a revised assessment of the benefits of the project.

‘We encourage all firms with the relevant experience to participate in this tender as the findings of this review will help us chart the right course’, said MyHSR CEO Mohd Nur Ismal Bin Mohamed Kamal on May 9.

Opening of the line is now envisaged by January 1 2031.

source= https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/asia/single-view/view/consultants-to-optimise-kl-singapore-high-speed-rail-project.html