RM5.9b 2nd phase KVDT to be reviewed: Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will be reviewing the second phase of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Commuter Klang Valley Double Tracking (KVDT) project costing RM5.9 billion.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the decision to review the project was because of the high cost and its long completion period over seven years.
He said the overall second phase of the project consisted 110km of track, which meant it costs RM53 million for every 1km of track from Kuala Lumpur to Klang, Salak South to Seremban and from Port Klang junction to Port Klang.
"The new government does not agree with the cost. We will bring it back to the cabinet for a review. And the project is expected to take seven years.
"This is something the Transport Ministry does not agree. We can't afford to take seven years as Commuter passengers will face further delays if the project commences," he told a media conference after attending a 90-minute briefing by KTMB management here today.
He said the government would be studying the project again in terms of implementation as well as on reducing cost.
Loke said the first phase of KVDT project was scheduled to be completed in August next year but it would be delayed by two months from the actual date.
The first phase of the project involved a distance of about 40m from Rawang to Salak South and from Sentul to Batu junction at an overall cost of RM1.4 billion.
Nonetheless, he said upgrading works of the double tracking had caused commuter train service to be delayed as one track had to be closed and there was no double tracking along the affected route.
"This affected train services. Before this, the frequency of peak hour Commuter train service was every 15 and 30 minutes during off peak hours. But the project upgrade caused the frequency to 30 minutes during peak hours and 60 minutes during off peak hours.
"So far, we are trying to correct the situation and to expedite works as track closure will cause delay in services," he said.
Therefore Loke advised the people to plan their journeys especially among workers who are frequent commuters besides using alternative modes of transport.
In conjunction with Ramadan, Loke distributed 1,000 packs of bubur lambuk (beef porridge) to train passengers at KL Sentral station and attended a breaking of fast with orphans of Pusat Jagaan Suci Rohani and presented Aidilfitri contributions to them. — Bernama