The Star : Rail work for east coast
The Transport Ministry will undertake a study to expand the rail
double-tracking and electrification project from Gemas to Tumpat after
the completion and commissioning of the Padang Rengas-Johor Baru
project.
Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said expansion work would be a reality if the study indicated sufficient passenger traffic on the 530km east coast route.
“Although
we have not made a decision, I am certain that it is a matter of time
before we look at the east coast line. I am also certain that if we
improve the rail service, more people will travel by train,” he said
after visiting the site for the new Bahau train station near here.
Kong
said the priority was to complete the west coast railway
double-tracking and electrification project, with the Ipoh-Seremban
stretch already completed while the Seremban-Gemas and Ipoh-Padang Besar
stretches are due for completion by year-end and the middle of next
year respectively.
He said the ministry was now fine-tuning the
design for the 200km Gemas-Johor Baru stretch costing between RM7bil to
RM8bil, with tenders to be called soon.
He said at present KTM provided six train services along the Singapore-Gemas-Tumpat routes.
“We
are also upgrading the Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Pasir Mas and Tanah
Merah stations to keep up with the times,” he said, adding that the
Jerantut station was upgraded in 2006.
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