Gemas-JB double rail line: MCA hopes consultant review track design

JOHOR BAHRU: MCA yesterday called for the consultant of the Gemas- Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking rail project costing RM7.13 billion, to review the track design.

Kluang MCA division chief Gan Ping Sieu said the matter was voiced out as there had been concerns over the existing design of the track which could cause ‘defects’ and negative impact to the development of Kluang town in the near future.

Gan said he was worried that the project would result in massive traffic congestion in the area due to its downward slope design.

“This will force the railway bridge in Jalan Besar to be demolished. When this takes place, a detour will be constructed but that won’t solve the issue. Instead, it will cause a massive traffic jam,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

Gan also said the call for the review was to maintain and preserve the iconic Kluang Railway Station which had been gazetted under the town’s Special Area Plan (RKK).

“Basically, the idea ( of the project) is deemed good for all of us but unfortunately, the final plan (of the track design) does not meet our expectations.

“The construction is supposed to be synchronised with the Local Structure Plan and the Middle Ring Road traffic plan that have been gazetted,” he said, adding that other quarters also did not agree with the plan.

These included state government agencies such as the district land office, district Public Works Department, town planners and the Kluang Municipal Council. — Bernama