Construction of MRT to commence end of 2011

By Prasarana

Construction for the proposed Sungai Buloh – Kajang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is expected to commence by the end of 2011, subject to approval of the Final Railway Scheme.

Tenders for the elevated guideway packages will be opened to qualified contractors from June 2011 onwards, following the end of the public display on 14 May and finalisation of the alignment and approval of the Final Railway Scheme by end May 2011. Only upon the finalisation of the alignment and location of stations can a cost estimate be developed. Overall, competitive tenders for the project would be called for all the packages progressively, from June 2011 until end 2012.

According to Prasarana Group Director of project development division, Zulkifli Mohd Yusoff, the contractors will be evaluated based on their track record, financial stability and experience while the KVMRT project owner, Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (SPNB) is committed to ensure transparency and the timely delivery of the project within predetermined guidelines as set by the Government.

“The Government is aware of the size and complexity of this national infrastructure initiative and has set strict guidelines for the procurement process including the selection of the contractors for the work packages,” said Zulkifli.

“The KVMRT project is being implemented for the benefit of the rakyat and the Government will take all factors into consideration, particularly feedback from the public and residents affected by the project before finalising the alignment and cost estimate, and ultimately the decision to award the tender packages,” Zulkifli added.

SPAD is currently working closely with SPNB and the railway scheme’s project delivery partner (PDP), MMC-Gamuda JV to review the final alignment, lower the project cost and ensure that studies are being done to fully minimise timeline and delivery risks, in accordance with the Government’s objectives and global best practices.

Ground breaking will be in July 2011 and preparatory work at sites for the event will begin from end May 2011. The proposed Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit will form the backbone of the new sustainable transport system in the Klang Valley and was initiated by the Government of Malaysia as a Greater Kuala Lumpur/Lembah Klang National Key Economic Area initiative under the Economic Transformation Programme. The planned construction period for the Sungai Buloh – Kajang line is from 2011 to 2016 and when completed will provide a fast train service to 1.2 million people along the route. The line will be integrated with existing KTM Komuter, LRT lines and feeder bus networks.