MMC-GAMUDA JV SUBMITS CHEAPER BID
Interconnecting stations under new plan will also link all lines for easier commute
MMC Corp Bhd and Gamuda Bhd have submitted an alternative proposal for the Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT3) at a lower cost than the initial proposed price tag.
Group managing director Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the new proposal was submitted at the end of last year.
“We have proposed (for the construction) to be done in phases
at a lower price. We don’t have to do the entire circle in one go but rather in phases.
“We don’t have to substitute the underground construction with an elevated one. But it will meet the requirements of connecting all seven (transportation) systems — the high-density ones first and saving the rest for future developments,” he said after MMC’s annual general meeting, here, yesterday.
Affin Hwang Capital, in a note yesterday, said the MRT3 project could be revived at estimated RM20 billion cost while the RM32 billion Penang Transport Master Plan was awaiting approval from the government.
It said Gamuda was proposing to reduce the cost of the MRT3 by at least half of the previous RM45 billion estimate.
On the difference between the new proposal and the earlier ones, Che Khalib said instead of separate lines, there would be interconnecting stations linking all the lines for easier commute.
“The MRT3 is an important line as it would complete MRT1 and MRT2 lines as well as all other rail transportation.”
Also known as the Circle Line, the proposed MRT3 would skirt the edges of Kuala Lumpur City Centre and is expected to feature 11 stops running through densely-populated areas.
Key stops include Ampang Jaya, Jalan Bukit Bintang, the Tun Razak Exchange, Bandar Malaysia in Sungai Besi, Kerinchi, Damansara Heights, Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas and Sentul.