PUTRAJAYA, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) expects an estimated amount of RM160 billion invested for future rail projects in the country until the year 2020.

Its chairman, Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said the amount, however, is not final yet, and it is based on the current development of the industry.

"This will take into account the current projects, but there is more to it," he told reporters after officiating the opening ceremony of "Briefing to Stakeholders Future Rail 2030: National Rail Industry Development Roadmap" here today.

Syed Hamid said the government has invested more than RM50 billion in rail transport since the 90s.

Meanwhile, Syed Hamid said the government is still studying on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and High Speed Rail (HSR) projects, where technical, economic and financial study consultants have been appointed to do so.

"The feasibility study is being undertaken. I think it is a bit early for us to talk about when the train would be commissioned. We don't even know whether we are going to stick with the project or not.

"But there is a need for us to look at it now. Subsequently the action will come if the outcome of the study shows there is a positive result," he said, adding that the study should be completed by the end of the year.

Earlier in his speech, Syed Hamid said SPAD is undertaking a series of studies to enhance the land public transport system including the 7-Km extension of KL Monorail from Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields to Happy Garden at Old Klang Road and a 23-Km extension of LRT line from Kelana Jaya to Klang.

He said it also includes the 36-Km MRT 2 Circle Line from Sentul Timur to Ampang, 58-Km MRT 3 North-South Line Selayang to Putrajaya and an 18-Km KTMB Freight Relieved Line Subang to Port Klang.

While most rail projects involve the Klang Valley area, it would eventually stretch out to the whole country including Sabah and Sarawak, he said.

About the event, Syed Hamid said apart from setting the pace and direction of the rail industry, the offset programme is also a significant contributor where it offers opportunities to enhance the nation's industrial, technological and overall economic capability, with the aim of further increasing national competitiveness and supporting high income society.