Crucial for MRT Line 2 to be in tandem with first line
PETALING JAYA: The implementation of the second line of the My Rapid Transit (MRT) should ideally be announced at the latest by yearend to be in tandem with the development of the first line, said a source familiar with the matter.
The source pointed out that it was crucial for line two, which is the circle line orbiting the city centre, to be on the ground to coincide with the development of the first line – the Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT.
“This is vital for the whole project to have efficient machinery and workforce management, and ultimately be cost-efficient.
“For example, the second line can also utilise some of the machinery used in the first line including the the tunnel-boring machines.
“The tunnelling works for the first line, which should start by April or May, are scheduled to be completed in two years.
“Thus, the second line’s planning, alignment and rollout should be implemented in accordance with the development of the first line,” he told StarBiz yesterday.
More importantly, the second line would need a skilled workforce that had the experience in working on such a massive and specialised project, and this could also be
sourced from the development of the first line.
At present, the second line is undergoing feasibility studies undertaken by the Land Public Transport Commission or SPAD.
The Malaysian market is eagerly awaiting the announcement on the second line of the MRT that will provide yet another boost to the construction industry as well as contribute positive spillover effects to a number of supporting industries.
The construction cost of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT at this point of time is well within projections, hovering around the RM23bil mark, with land acquisition cost being kept at a minimal of RM1.2bil.
The Greater KL/Klang Valley Land Public Transport Master Plan draft has indicated that orbital movements in Kuala Lumpur would be addressed by the provision of a circle line that would link existing areas such as Mid Valley, Mont Kiara, Sentul Timur and Ampang, as well as proposed developments such as Matrade.
The circle line would be developed in at least two phases, where the first consists of the western and southern sections linking Ampang with Mid Valley, Matrade and Sentul.
The second phase would line Ampang with Sentul Timur, completing the north eastern sector of the circle line.
Given the terrain to the west of the city and the existing development, it is expected that a large proportion of the circle line will likely be underground.
On the business and operation model of the second line, the source pointed out that because the project delivery partner concept had so far worked well for the first line, it would be a natural progression for the second line to adopt the same concept.
The Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT, via a track that runs through the city centre, is made up of two phases.
The first phase is from Sungai Buloh to Semantan, while the second is from Kajang to Taman Maluri. The first phase is expected to be operational by December 2016, and the second by June 2017.