Trans-Borneo Railway proposal outlines Sarawak route and port links
The feasibility study recommends phased development of the cross-border network, while the federal government reviews funding and implementation arrangements.
The proposed Trans-Borneo Railway would serve Sarawak’s population centres, industrial zones and seaports before crossing into Brunei, Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil told the state legislative assembly on Oct 14.
Jerip outlined an alignment running through Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri divisions, then entering Brunei and returning to Sarawak through Limbang. The recommended connections would serve Kuching Port, Tanjung Manis Port, Bintulu Port, Samalaju Port and Miri Port.
He said the feasibility study assessed the railway as technically feasible and strategically significant. The network is intended to improve links among population centres, industrial areas, ports, airports and logistics facilities in Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia. Possible extensions into Kalimantan were also identified.
Jerip said the study favoured development in phases because of the cross-border network’s scale. Corridor selection would consider local demand, strategic importance and economic impact, alongside affordability, fiscal capacity, readiness for development, land conditions, rights of way and available funding.
The federal Ministry of Transport’s feasibility study was finished on Aug 7, with findings subsequently submitted to the steering committee. Jerip said the federal government is reviewing the final report to assess funding responsibilities, governance, land needs and how implementation should be structured.
