KUCHING, November 2025 — A significant milestone was reached for the Trans-Borneo Railway (TBR) project in late 2025: the first interim report of the feasibility study was formally presented on 30 October 2025, and a preliminary alignment for the railway has been proposed, pending further refinement. The feasibility study launched in June 2025 under the coordination of Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport, with active involvement from Sarawak’s transport authorities is scheduled for completion in June 2026.

As part of the planning process, two technical workshops have already been held with relevant agencies from Sabah, underscoring ongoing coordination between states. The study is not just assessing technical and commercial viability, but also exploring integration with existing public‑transport infrastructure: specifically, the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS). This would allow seamless connections between long‑distance rail, city transit, and feeder services in Greater Kuching and Kota Sentosa, enhancing accessibility and regional connectivity.

The Trans-Borneo Railway is envisioned as a backbone of a broader strategic transport framework under the Sarawak Integrated Transport Master Plan (SITMP), which aims to develop a sustainable, multimodal transport network combining rail, urban transit (like KUTS), bus services, and multimodal hubs to support mobility, economic integration, and regional development.

Given the project's current status, full implementation remains contingent on the outcome of the feasibility study: the alignment, technical design, financing model, and integration plans must still be confirmed. If all goes well, the TBR could mark a transformative step in improving connectivity across Borneo.

Source: Borneo Post Online