Malaysia Announces Ambitious Cargo Rail Project to Link with Bangkok

Malaysia is planning to launch a direct cargo rail service connecting Kuala Lumpur with Bangkok by this year to increase trade between the two nations and across the region. Anthony Loke, the Transport Minister, confirmed that the cabinet, and it was approved by the Prime Minister. According to the state media reports, these project operations will commence soon this year.   

Loke highlighted that the direct rail connection between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok would also expand connectivity with other countries, such as Laos, China, and Central Asia. However, further details about the plan were not revealed in the report. Waiting for a response from a spokesperson from Thailand’s transport ministry regarding the inquiries about the initiative.   

Malaysia had previously proclaimed the thought of covering a $10 billion China-led rail project to its border with Thailand. This 665-kilometer line will connect the east and west coasts of Malaysia, and it is expected to be completed by 2026.

China, a main trading partner for both Malaysia and Thailand, has been affected by major tariffs enforced by the United States. As Malaysia and Thailand face higher import charges from the U.S. (24 percent and 36 percent, respectively), the proposed rail connection is seen as a strategic move to support trade in the region.

During a recent visit to Bangkok, Loke also exposed plans to recover direct passenger rail services between the two cities to promote cross-border tourism. This service will apply to both existing tracks, and the countries’ three months of time has been given to prepare for the launch of the railway operations.