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The Asian Pacific rail market is a “high growth potential area” with many countries focusing on developing their rail infrastructure and routes, according to a report issued recently by research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

The Asian Pacific rail market accounted for $284.24 billion in 2007-08, and should grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.5 percent to 2 percent from 2008 to 2015, Frost & Sullivan said in the report, titled “Asia Pacific Rail Market - An Overview.” In many countries, the increased demand for freight and passenger transportation — combined with increased industrialization, urbanization and road traffic congestion — is rekindling interest in rail.

“Metro trains, mass transit systems and suburban rail services in urban areas are likely to take the traffic off the roads, offering an ideal solution to the problem,” said Frost & Sullivan consultant Rohit Gunavanthe in an April 15 prepared statement.

To that end, China is focusing on high-speed rail while India plans to revamp existing rail lines and expanding its metro rail link, Frost & Sullivan said. In Japan, the emphasis is on expanding its bullet train services; Malaysia, on introducing a rapid intercity service between its two main stations; Thailand, on broadening Bangkok’s mass rapid transit system; and South Korea, on starting a high-speed train linking its capital to two main cities, Frost & Sullivan said.