Rail project back on

The Malaysian government has announced the revival of a rail project it shelved in 2003 because of cost. The 320 km long line will link the northern towns of Ipoh and Padang Besar. Another 300 km long line will link central and southern Malaysia.

Announcing the decision, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said construction of one of the two electric rail lines - Malaysia's largest-ever infrastructure project - would begin once talks between the government and other interested parties conclude on the project's construction and running costs.

The project, previously estimated to cost MYR 14.45 billion (US$ 3.8 billion), was cancelled in late 2003 after following three years of talks with potential builders from India and China.