Klang Valley LRT extension project at design stage

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's plan to extend the light rail transit (LRT) service in the Klang Valley is well underway, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Tuesday, Nov 23.Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the extension project was now in its final stages of detailed designing, with over 95% already completed."Meanwhile, land acquisition and utility relocation are being done simultaneously," he said in reply to a question from Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed (BN-Kulai).He said the project involved a 17.7 kilometre route extension to the Ampang line which will create 13 new stations and a 17 kilometre extension to the Kelana Jaya line whereby 13 new stations would.Abdul Rahim said this in response to Nur Jazlan's question on the status of the LRT extension project in the Klang Valley and its benefits in terms of economic returns and interests to the public.Abdul Rahim said the RM7 billion project was expected to be complete in 2013 in efforts to cater to passengers during peak hours, as well as provide commuters more comfort while travelling.In addition to that, the project will present 2,000 job opportunities during its construction and 800 more after it operates."The 26 new stations will positively affect the economy of surrounding areas. Usually 60% of land and development within 400 metres from the LRT station will increase in value by 15%," he said. Abdul Rahim said extension of the LRT lines will prove to be beneficial to the public in terms of reduced travelling time, traffic congestion, direct costs such as fuel, tyre wear and tear and toll fare, as well as improving comfort and living standards of the people.He added that upon completion, the two LRT lines will connect at the Putra Heights station and form a complete rail system in the Klang Valley.The Kelana Jaya line extension will be able to increase passenger capacity up to 98,000 during peak hours, while extension of the Ampang line can cater to 79,800 passengers.

source: Bernama