Although there is no official price tag yet for the mammoth project that is scheduled to be operational in 2026, industry experts have estimated that this project cost could be in the range of RM40bil to RM45bil.

On top on the civil infrastructure part of the project, Mohd Nur says an open international tender will also carried out for an AssetsCo which will be in charge of trains and railway assets which include of signalling, tracks, power supply and telecommunications as well as management of network.

On the operational part, Mohd Nur says an OpCo (operating company) will be in charge of train operations and ensuring high ridership within its service.

Two train operating companies will be appointed to operate the HSR services.

According to Mohd Nur, MyHSR is currently focused on getting the project team on the ground on both sides of the country.

On the Malaysia side, MyHSR has appointed a global engineering company, CH2M, as its technical adviser.

CH2M, with its sub-consultant, PwC, will support MyHSR to develop the project, including working on the planning and design of the Malaysian section and assisting with the project management aspects.

MyHSR and Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore have announced they will be calling for a joint tender to appoint a Joint Development Partner (JDP) to assist in the development of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR.

The JDP is expected to provide project management support, technical advice and procurement advice relating to the high speed railway systems, operations and develop the technical and safety standards.

In addition, it will assist the Joint Project Team (JPT) established between MyHSR, Malaysia and LTA, Singapore and Malaysia with the preparation of documents for the forthcoming tenders relating to the joint aspects of the project, such as the appointment of the AssetsCo and OpCo International.

On Wednesday, MyHSR announced it will appoint reference design consultants (RDCs) for the project for five RDC work packages where local and international firms are encouraged to participate.