KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Rehabilitation works on the 265km Klang Valley Double Track Phase II (KVDT2) project, covering the Abdullah Hukum-Port Klang and Salak Selatan-Seremban routes, will be completed by the end of 2027, ahead of the original deadline of 2029.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) chief operating officer Afzar Zakariya said the project, which began in 2023, involved upgrades to three main components — the track, the signalling system, and the overhead line.
“The KVDT2 track was originally an old track built in 1994. After more than 30 years, the track and integrated system applications need to be upgraded from a track with an axle load capacity of 16 to 20 tonnes,” he said during a KVDT2 site visit by media practitioners here today.
He said rehabilitation works could improve the level of safety, system stability and operational reliability of KTMB rail services.
During the visit, the media were taken on a special trolley through the active operation route to survey train operations while KVDT2 works were underway, including single-track operations, train crossings and rail traffic management involving the KTM and ETS services.
“This programme is important to provide a clearer picture to the media about the current situation of rail operations and the challenges faced throughout the implementation of the large-scale KVDT2 project, thus helping to channel accurate and comprehensive information to the public,” he said.
Afzar said that when rehabilitation is completed, train trip frequency could be increased from 20-minute intervals to 15-minute or even seven-minute intervals for some sectors.
Commenting on the impact of the West Asian conflict, Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd project deputy director Manoj Radhakrishnan said that despite being directly impacted in terms of logistics, works are still ongoing.
He expressed his appreciation to KTMB and the Ministry of Transport for their close cooperation in adjusting the train schedules and operating hours to ensure the smooth running of the rehabilitation work.
“We will also open some of these services ahead of schedule, and by the middle of this year, the full extension of the ‘Road to Rail’ initiative for 20-tonne axle loads can begin.
“We are also upgrading stations that do not have facilities for the disabled by building lifts, upgrading the roof structure, and renewing the tiling facilities,” Manoj said.
