Gemas-JB rail project to be delayed by a year

MUAR: The double-tracking rail project between Gemas and Johor Baru scheduled for completion next year has hit a snag and could be delayed by up to 12 months, according to the Johor government.

Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the year-long delay was mainly due to the movement control order (MCO) imposed since March to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“The project also faced other issues, but the main cause of the delay is due to the MCO when work had to be halted for some time,” he said in an interview.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed is expected to visit the project site in Kulai today to check on the progress.

The Gemas-Johor Baru 192km double-track project, estimated to cost RM12.4bil, was initially slated to be completed in 2021.

It will have a total of 14 stations in Tenang, Chamek, Senai, Segamat, Genuang, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Mengkibol, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai and Kempas Baru.

Asked about problems faced by Labis folk due to a temporary access road being built along Jalan LabisYong Peng and also flooding caused by poor drainage in the area, Mohd Solihan said the contractors must resolve them quickly.

On the 1km temporary access road from the junction of a nearby police station into Labis town, he said he was aware of concerns and had visited the area.

“I have warned the contractors that they must ensure the safety of motorists and residents in the area and have to build a concrete barrier.

“Residents say the temporary road is too steep and dangerous,” he said, adding that the Public Works Department had also raised similar concerns.

Bekok assemblyman Dr S. Ramakrishnan said the road was often used by heavy lorries carrying timber and the drivers would have to negotiate a sharp bend and steep road to get to Jalan Tenang.

The Star previously reported the concerns of Labis folk, especially with the town being bypassed due to the change in the road alignment.