KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): A tender to appoint the project delivery partner (PDP) for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high speed rail (HSR) project will be called on Nov 22.

In a statement today, MyHSR Corp Sdn Bhd said the PDP will be responsible for developing the detailed design for the infrastructure works, which include the station and the alignment structures (such as bridges, tunnels and embankments) within Malaysia, and construct these works on budget and on time.

In addition to the detailed design and delivery of the infrastructure works, the PDP will be required to assist with interface management, land acquisition processes and stakeholder engagement activities.

MyHSR Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal said the tender is open to all interested parties with experience in the design, construction and project management of railway infrastructure.

"This PDP tender marks the start of the next phase of this exciting project. With the appointment of the PDP, the civil works for the Malaysian infrastructure portion of the KL-SG HSR project will begin in earnest," he added.

The PDP and upcoming assets company (AssetsCo) tenders are two major procurement exercises at this current stage of the KL-Singapore HSR project. Both tenders are expected to be completed in 2018.

The PDP tender focuses on the civil infrastructure portion of the project, while the AssetsCo tender — expected to be launched by end of this year — focuses on systems and trains, said MyHSR Corp.