KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- The rehabilitation works of the 265-kilometre Klang Valley Double Track Phase II (KVDT2) project covering the Abdullah Hukum-Port Klang and Salak Selatan-Seremban routes are expected to be fully completed earlier, at the end of 2027, compared to the original schedule of 2029.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) chief operating officer Afzar Zakariya said the project, which began in 2023, involved three main components, namely the upgrading of the track, signalling system and overhead line.
"The KVDT2 track was originally an old track built in 1994. After more than 30 years, the track and integrated system applications need to be upgraded from a track with an axle load capacity of 16 tonnes to 20 tonnes," he said during the Media Site Visit Programme to Review the KVDT2 Project, here today.
He said the rehabilitation works could improve the level of safety, system stability and operational reliability of KTMB rail services.
During the visit, the media were taken on a special trolley through the active operation route to see the actual situation of train operations while the KVDT2 works were underway, including single track operation, train crossings and rail traffic management involving KTM Komuter services and Electric Train services (ETS).
“This programme is important to provide a clearer picture to the media about the current situation of rail operations and the challenges faced throughout the implementation of the large-scale KVDT2 project, thus helping to channel accurate and comprehensive information to the public,” he said.
Afzar said that when the rehabilitation work was fully completed, the frequency of train operations could be increased from 20 minutes to 15 minutes to seven minutes for some sectors.
Commenting on the impact of the West Asian conflict, Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd (DMIA) project deputy director Manoj Radhakrishnan said that despite receiving direct impacts due to the need for logistics and lorry movement, it did not stop the ongoing rehabilitation work.
He also expressed his appreciation to KTMB and the Ministry of Transport for their close cooperation in adjusting the train schedules and operating hours to ensure the smooth running of the rehabilitation work.
“We will also open some of these services ahead of schedule and by the middle of this year, the full extension of the Road to Rail initiative for 20-tonne axle loads can begin.
“At the same time, we are also upgrading stations that do not have facilities for the Disabled (OKU) by building lifts, upgrading the roof structure and renewing the tiling facilities,” he said.
"The KVDT2 track was originally an old track built in 1994. After more than 30 years, the track and integrated system applications need to be upgraded from a track with an axle load capacity of 16 tonnes to 20 tonnes," he said during the Media Site Visit Programme to Review the KVDT2 Project, here today.
He said the rehabilitation works could improve the level of safety, system stability and operational reliability of KTMB rail services.
During the visit, the media were taken on a special trolley through the active operation route to see the actual situation of train operations while the KVDT2 works were underway, including single track operation, train crossings and rail traffic management involving KTM Komuter services and Electric Train services (ETS).
“This programme is important to provide a clearer picture to the media about the current situation of rail operations and the challenges faced throughout the implementation of the large-scale KVDT2 project, thus helping to channel accurate and comprehensive information to the public,” he said.
Afzar said that when the rehabilitation work was fully completed, the frequency of train operations could be increased from 20 minutes to 15 minutes to seven minutes for some sectors.
Commenting on the impact of the West Asian conflict, Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd (DMIA) project deputy director Manoj Radhakrishnan said that despite receiving direct impacts due to the need for logistics and lorry movement, it did not stop the ongoing rehabilitation work.
He also expressed his appreciation to KTMB and the Ministry of Transport for their close cooperation in adjusting the train schedules and operating hours to ensure the smooth running of the rehabilitation work.
“We will also open some of these services ahead of schedule and by the middle of this year, the full extension of the Road to Rail initiative for 20-tonne axle loads can begin.
“At the same time, we are also upgrading stations that do not have facilities for the Disabled (OKU) by building lifts, upgrading the roof structure and renewing the tiling facilities,” he said.