I respond to the letters by Z Ibrahim, RM9 bil double-tracking project makes no sense , and MR Saat, Double-tracking a more practical solution .

Ibrahim has highlighted the current 'gauge' problem if the project proceeds. He has shared his opinion of better alternatives. I would like to look at it from the angle of economic impact of this double tracking if overall transportation integration is done properly. Putting technical, political, monetary and routing issues aside, I would share what I would do as a government. I would look at this from the angle of social re-engineering.

As a frequent traveller, I am really amazed with the train services in Europe, Japan, Taiwan, China, India, etc. The convenience of train services has really improved the quality of life a lot. Higher frequency of train services will narrow the gap between urban and rural areas. A well integrated train service will bring in a lot of economic value and economic life to all the train stops.

Business properties would pop up near these stops. Hawkers in or nearby stops could make a living. If we make all the stops integrated with other transportation services, it will create a lot of new clusters at every point. A lot of new clusters could be provide potential town/city their own particular niche. A university stop would have the special culture niche, pottery stop would interest people with art, hot spring stop would attract people would like to have a dip in hot stream....

The spin-off effect for the economy will be huge, especially for the lower income group, whether as a traveller or a potential stall-owner, or a small-medium company modern convenient shop. This would bring a lot of employment to all the stops.

Of course, a well-thought out implementation plan must be well in place in a phase-by-phase development for long-term growth.