Why did policymakers pick Jurong East over Tuas West for the HSR terminal?

It has the best of both worlds.

The government revealed today that Jurong East was selected as the final terminus of the Singapore-KL high speed rail (HSR).

Christine Li, Director of Research at Cushman and Wakefield, noted that there are a number of reasons why Jurong East was selected over its closest contender.

Unlike the far-flung industrial Tuas West, Jurong East is attractive because of its wide range of retail, office, and hotel offerings.

In addition, vacant land is still available for development, so construction cost is relatively low as compared to city centre due to minimal tunneling.

“Jurong East offers a highly attractive location for the HSR, as it is the only location out of the three selected earlier, that has the best of both worlds. Jurong Gateway is already a major transport hub, well served by three MRT stations, a bus interchange and two major expressways of Pan Island Expressway and Ayer Rajah Expressway linking the deto Central Business District, Jurong/Tuas Industrial Estate and Changi International Airport. So by having the HSR in the area, seamless connectivity could be achieved,” Li noted.