Brunei Builds Kalimantan Fast Train to Connect IKN Nusantara
Kalimantan's first high-speed train network is now proposed. This project is designed to shorten travel distances between Kalimantan RI, Sarawak and Sabah Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam.
Brunei-based Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd announced that the Trans Borneo Railway (KA) project will be implemented in two stages involving a 1,620 kilometer route.
It is stated that the average distance between each station is 150 km and the train speed is between 300 and 350 kilometers per hour, with an estimated average travel time between stations of only 30 minutes.
"The first phase will connect cities from the West Coast to the East Coast, starting in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, and ending in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, which is an economic focus area," said a statement on the website, as quoted by MalayMail on Monday (1 /4/2024).
"The route will cover cities such as Kota Kinabalu, Kimanis/Papar, Beaufort, Sipitang, Lawas, Bangar, Limbang, Bukit Panggal, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Sri Aman, Kuching, Sambas Singkawang, Mempawah and Pontianak," he added.
Meanwhile, the company said, the second phase will involve North and East Kalimantan connecting the main route with Samarinda and on to Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara. The route includes Long Seridan, Ba Kelalan, Long Bawan, Malinau, Tanjung Selor, Tanjung Redeb, Pengadan, Lubuk Tutung, Bontang, Samarinda and Balikpapan.
The Trans Borneo train will have four terminals that function as the main hub for mass transportation, as well as 24 stations spread across the island. The two routes will meet in Brunei's Tutong district, which serves as a railway hub.