INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The metropolitan rail networks in Southeast Asia are set to grow by 20% by the end of next year, driven by the need to ease congestion and
reduce automobile emissions, according to an analysis by Nikkei.The study focused on commuter rail systems in major cities and capital
regions across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.The total length of rail lines in these areas is expected to
reach 1,356 kilometers by the end of 2024, up from 1,147 km in January 2023.Thailand recently launched the Yellow Line, a 30 km elevated
(Photo Internet reproduction)The line attracted around 680,000 passengers in just over two weeks during its trial run.Vietnam and the
Philippines, which have been slower in urban rail development, are catching up by opening new lines.Ho Chi Minh City will debut its first
metro line next year, and Hanoi already has a 13 km subway system
with Line 7, connecting Manila to outer-ring communities.San Miguel, a local conglomerate, has raised 100 billion pesos (US$1.79 billion)
for its construction.The expansion is expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and reduce emissions.As urban populations and
economies grow in Southeast Asia, traffic congestion and air pollution have become critical issues.Expanding metro networks is a shared
challenge for these countries as they aim to shorten commute times and mitigate environmental impacts.Japanese and European rail
infrastructure companies have secured contracts in Southeast Asia, with Japanese companies having extensive experience and planning to
export their expertise to the region.Chinese enterprises have also made progress in Asian rail markets.Due to varying diplomatic alliances,
rail networks in Southeast Asia do not follow a uniform nationwide system, resulting in different standards and rolling stock across
commitment to addressing urban congestion and environmental concerns while providing efficient transportation solutions for its growing
