Malaysia railway development news [Archive]

nazrey

November 9th, 2004, 08:33 AM

This project involves the construction of a new track (179 km) and upgrading of the existing track to allow for a maximum design speed of 160 kph. The other components of the project involved the construction of new concrete railway bridges, culverts, 14 stations, 40 overhead road bridges to eliminate all level crossings, construction of a new EMU Depot at Batu Gajah, overhead 25kV 50Hz electrification system, modern signalling and communication, Automatic Fare Collection system, land acquisitions and relocation of squatters

Route Map: Rawang - Ipoh EDT Project

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/101/edt.jpg

The main objectives are:-
- to extend the existing KTM Komuter service from Seremban - Rawang to Tg. Malim with an average number of 100 services per day.
- introduction of a rapid intercity service, between Ipoh and Sentral KL Sentral, with 16 services per day in the beginning and ultimately 32 services per day.
- to upgrade existing rail infrastructure for the increase in track capacity for Komuter, Intercity and freight trains.

The Contract for Infrastructure Package was awarded to DRB-HICOM on 17 July 2000 and System Package awarded to Mitsui Co. Ltd. - Mitsui Transportation Systems Consortium on 10 January 2001.

The work under the infrastructure package has been 18 months behind schedule. This has resulted in consequential delays to the system works. However, recovery programme have been instituted by both contractors to mitigate the delay and the progress is being monitored closely by the special committee led by the Ministry of Transport to ensure successful completion of the project.

With the commissioning of the project which is expected by early 2007, KTM Berhad will be able to introduce rapid intercity trains from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh and extend the KTM Komuter services from Rawang to Tanjung Malim

nazrey

November 9th, 2004, 08:36 AM

Proposed 14 standard Halts and Stations for the Rawang - Ipoh high-speed line. Located between Rawang to Ipoh.

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/3254/rawangipoh19nl.jpg

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/5378/rawangipohsttb22gc.jpg

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/7875/rawangipohsttb13mt.jpg

nazrey

November 9th, 2004, 08:38 AM

Picture by : KonstantineChoo from KTMRailwayfan Club

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_127_2.jpg

nazrey

November 9th, 2004, 08:49 AM

Ipoh station

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319ra1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319ra.jpg

Nick in Atlanta

November 9th, 2004, 05:05 PM

Could this be the beginning of a high speed train from Bangkok through Kuala Lumpur to Singapore?

nick_taylor

November 9th, 2004, 07:44 PM

Well it says 160kph (99mph), which currently isn't technically high-speed rail. Infact the speeds sound very low (are they correct). Most commuter trains from around the world travel somewhere around the 201kph (125mph) mark :?

However I suppose that with an overhaul of signal improvements, adapted train-stock, re-education of staff and general infrastructure, among a few other things; it could be possible that within a few more years you would be able to travel from say Ipoh to Singapore. Only problem, is that it would be asking a lot to then upgrade the line as soon as it have been electrified!!! Its progress though and that is what is important :yes:

Some international comparisons Nick in Atlanta: Pendolinos for example travel at 225kph (140mph) and are seen as the minimum speeds for high-speed trains. TGV trains travel at 300kph (186mph), which is the same speed of the Shinkansen trains in Japan, Eurostars in the UK and ICE trains in Germany.

The new line between Madrid-Barcelona line will be able to go a whopping 350kph (217mph)!!!

nazrey - Do you know what the trainsets will be like???

Wisarut

November 10th, 2004, 05:16 AM

Well, the threshold for High Speed train is 200 kph ....
Err, after 120 kph, the meter gauge tracks are required to have special equipment
installed to ensure that train won't be detailed whne the speed are higher than the regular limit of meter gauge of 120 kph.

nazrey

November 10th, 2004, 05:59 AM

Well it says 160kph (99mph), which currently isn't technically high-speed rail. Infact the speeds sound very low (are they correct). Most commuter trains from around the world travel somewhere around the 201kph (125mph) mark :?

The new line between Madrid-Barcelona line will be able to go a whopping 350kph (217mph)!!!

nazrey - Do you know what the trainsets will be like???

Wisarut,do you have any idea !?

Wisarut

November 10th, 2004, 09:46 AM

For the case of meter gauge track, the loco will be be SPUN like a Giant Top after the speed has reached 120 kph unthess the special equipment has been installed on the locs as well as the track in the same way the JR Group have done on their 3 Feet 6 Inches (1.067 meter) rail. Ballast must be very thick alogn with the concrete sleepers (and the substitute the wooden/steel/concrete sleepers for the mountain section and trestles.

// -------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the standard gauge track, it should be a set of double track with very large radius of curve (3000 meter radius is the minimum for high speed rail curve). The tracks must be welded into 4000-m long tracks ... not just 400-m welded track as regular rail is ... and the accuracy of the gauge will have to be 1435 mm +/- 2 mm on the moutain section/curve section to be qualified as high speed tracks ...

Failture to do so will results in the derailment.

nazrey

December 6th, 2004, 02:16 PM

Pictures by : KonstantineChoo from KTM railway club

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/Signboard.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser1_014.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser1_017.jpg

nazrey

February 10th, 2005, 06:10 PM

http://img154.exs.cx/img154/9500/7118zo.jpg

nazrey

February 10th, 2005, 06:25 PM

Kuala Kubu station ...

http://img142.exs.cx/img142/1039/kualakuburoadv7dj.jpg

nazrey

February 11th, 2005, 07:24 AM

The rendering

http://img154.exs.cx/img154/7154/sslide38dq.jpg

http://img154.exs.cx/img154/2473/sslide98ae.jpg

http://img233.exs.cx/img233/328/sslide118yr.jpg

http://img233.exs.cx/img233/1416/sslide88yt.jpg

nazrey

February 11th, 2005, 05:12 PM

Ipoh station

http://img239.exs.cx/img239/5805/vslide10dr.jpg

http://img239.exs.cx/img239/2046/vslide184nj.jpg

http://img239.exs.cx/img239/1096/vslide99tq.jpg

http://img228.exs.cx/img228/3800/vslide60ja.jpg

nazrey

February 11th, 2005, 05:13 PM

some progress

http://img211.exs.cx/img211/7629/119ac.jpg

Tubeman

February 12th, 2005, 06:04 AM

I just travelled along this route day before yesterday... I must say the vast bulk of the route between Singapore and Bangkok is pretty archaic with bumpy track and some pretty ancient signalling, but the route through KL up to Rawang looks as modern and efficient as any European Suburban Railway. Loved KL station too... looks like a huge Mosque.

I left Singapore on Wednesday and got to bangkok on Friday, so you can get an idea of how long the trip takes at the moment!

I think there would probably be good demand for a Singapore to Ipoh TGV-style route via KL, but there aren't really any big population centres between Ipoh and Bangkok so flying is always going to be much more competitive between Singapore / Malaysia and Bangkok.

Also, I don't think the 1m gauge is suitable for high speed routes as its a little too narrow and unstable, the trains certainly seem to rock from side to side a lot more on the 1m gauge than they do on Standard 4' 8.5" gauge.

vytux

February 12th, 2005, 11:59 AM

nazrey

February 12th, 2005, 06:30 PM

What type of equipment is used to check the accuracy of the track?

No one know bcoz no one to answer :)
I think they may use same EMU's commuter service in KL.Like this...

http://img149.exs.cx/img149/3265/9797dscn48uh.jpg

http://img149.exs.cx/img149/3083/9797dscn498bz.jpg

nazrey

February 13th, 2005, 11:25 AM

Putrajaya western transport terminal

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/aerial.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/foyer.gif

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/concou-1.gif

nazrey

February 13th, 2005, 11:26 AM

Putrajaya & Cyberjaya KLIA Transit Station
by kelvinkhew of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/84/IMAGE008_2.JPG

acela

February 14th, 2005, 08:09 AM

I think the gov should convert to the standard gauge especially for the high speed comuter train as the 1m gauge is normally used for mountain climbing just like the one used in Switzerland where they have hilly areas. The only track that uses the standard gauge is the ERL train that rans from KL to KLIA. But we have to remember the cost the gov have to bear especially in converting these tracks.

Wisarut

February 15th, 2005, 06:07 AM

Yeah ... The cost for converting meter gauge to standard gauge is VERY high indeed ... because you need to do it nationwide and the gauge breaking at Padang besar and Rantau Panjang ... Furthermore, theyu need to ask SRT to0 folow the suit by coverting the main trunk lien form Padang Besar all the weay up to Chiang Mai

Just conveting the gauge alone won't work, the realignment of the tracks to fit into High spedd rail version (4000-m welded steel rail vs the current 400 yard welded rail,
3000-meter radius curve vs the 200-400 meter radius curves etc etc) ....

The error of the track at the cuirve will be 1435 mm +/- 2 mm to be qualfied as high speed track .. Failture to do so wil cause the derails

Portable Interferometer will be used for accurate gauge measurement though ...

vytux

February 15th, 2005, 09:36 AM

What are the current disadvantages that the network has with not having a standard gauge?

Wisarut

February 15th, 2005, 10:55 AM

Probably, the rolling stock production since they have to import fro motehr coutnry and many of the m have produced rolligns stock for the stqandard gauge .. the rolling stock for meter gauge require specialized facility to produce ....

nazrey

February 22nd, 2005, 04:57 PM

http://img254.echo.cx/img254/9035/currentmajorrawangkualakubuhal.jpg

http://img254.echo.cx/img254/152/currentmajorrawangkualakubuhal1.jpg

nazrey

March 6th, 2005, 09:30 AM

....

nazrey

March 6th, 2005, 10:01 AM

by hafizi
Stesen Serendah

http://img231.exs.cx/img231/1386/stesenserendah114we.jpg

Tubeman

March 6th, 2005, 12:31 PM

Why are the tracks so far apart? Is it for a possible third non-stopping track or to accommodate future widening to standard gauge? (or both)

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_5_l.jpg

nazrey

March 10th, 2005, 10:07 AM

Renovating Ipoh station
Pictures by Jason of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_front_board.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh1.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_outside1.jpg

nazrey

March 10th, 2005, 10:08 AM

Pictures by Jason of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_platform2.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_platform7.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_platform5.jpg

nazrey

March 10th, 2005, 10:17 AM

New platform
Pictures by Jason of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_platform3.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_platform4.jpg

nazrey

March 12th, 2005, 09:13 PM

The old platform
Pictures by Jason of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_old_platform2.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/ipoh_old_platform3.jpg

Yappofloyd

March 13th, 2005, 11:18 AM

nazrey

March 13th, 2005, 11:51 AM

The Ipoh station design seems to be a good conservation effort with the new wave roof not intruding too much on the station.

Nazrey, I know the ext further north was cancelled/deferred by the PM (late 2003/early 2004). Can you advise on what are the current plans for future ext north of Ipoh.

Some news in 2004....

KTMB to benefit from Asean rail link

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) expects landbridge services to rise this and in subsequent years due to the integration of the Asean rail link stretching from Singapore to Kunming in China.

“The integration of the Asean rail link will benefit freight services by rail as it is cheaper, efficient and regular. Our strategy is to develop along this area,” said KTMB chairman Tan Sri Datuk Thong Yaw Hong after a signing ceremony of a RM100 million five-year charter deal between KTMB and Freight Management (M) Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 7.

Under the agreement, KTMB will provide wagons and locomotives to Freight Management to facilitate cargo shipment by rail from Port Klang to Bangkok, Thailand. Of the RM100 million, about RM65 million will accrue to KTMB for its services.

The deal is based on the containerised rail cargo service operated between Malaysia and Thailand by KTMB and the State Railway of Thailand. Freight Management is en route to a listing on the Second Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd.

Landbridge services are a major contributor to KTMB’s freight revenue. Last year, landbridge services recorded a revenue of RM33.4 million, which accounted for 39% of KTMB’s total freight revenue of RM99.2 million.

Landbridge services mean cargo containers are loaded at a port and shipped across the country by rail to a foreign land. In 2002, revenue from landbridge services rose to RM29.5 million from RM23.5 million in 2001.

The planned Asean rail ink will materialise when Cambodia begins construction of a 48km rail line from Poipet to Sisophon, which is expected to be completed by next year.

When completed, it would link Phnom Penh to the Cambodian-Thai border for the first time by rail. KTMB is currently sharing its rail expertise and technical know-how with the Cambodian government.

The Asean rail link project aims to build a railway that runs through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and thereafter to Kunming, China. The portion from Singapore to Thailand has existed for years as has the stretch from Vietnam to Kunming. The 48-km missing link would bring Cambodia closer to joining the two segments.

nazrey

March 13th, 2005, 11:53 AM

BTW the current project of KTMB there are:

Project - Introduction

The Project Management Division/PMD (formerly known as Special Projects) was specially formed in 1989 to manage the Electrified Double Track Project in the Klang Valley. Since then, the division has been entrusted by the Government to manage all Government funded projects notably in RMK7 and RMK8 Development Plans. Her main roles are to co-ordinate and integrate KTMB’s internal departments’ requirements for establishing and defining business, engineering, operational specifications and needs of a project, for approval by the Government. Subsequently, PMD shall managed all contractual, implementation and interfacing matters to realise the successful completion of the project

The major projects currently handled by the Division are :-

- ELECTRIFIED DOUBLE TRACK BETWEEN RAWANG AND IPOH
- RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT BATU GAJAH
- EIGHTH MALAYSIA PLANS (RMK8) 2001-2005
a) Rolling Stock Upgrading
b) Construction Of New Commuter Stations
- MidValley Station
- Kepong Sentral Station
c) Rehabilitation Of Infrastructure For Sabah State Railways

Yappofloyd

March 13th, 2005, 01:35 PM

Some news in 2004....
The planned Asean rail ink will materialise when Cambodia begins construction of a 48km rail line from Poipet to Sisophon, which is expected to be completed by next year.

When completed, it would link Phnom Penh to the Cambodian-Thai border for the first time by rail. KTMB is currently sharing its rail expertise and technical know-how with the Cambodian government.

The Asean rail link project aims to build a railway that runs through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and thereafter to Kunming, China. The portion from Singapore to Thailand has existed for years as has the stretch from Vietnam to Kunming. The 48-km missing link would bring Cambodia closer to joining the two segments.
Nazey, Thanks for all of this info. On the TAR, Kunming - Sinapore Asean working gp, I have some updated info in the form of a power point presentation which I'll upload sometime soon.

sequoias

March 13th, 2005, 08:25 PM

Be glad it's faster than our commuter trains in Seattle, the diesel-electric locomotives pull 5 car trains up to 79 mph speed limit. 99 mph is 20 mph faster, so it would save some time. :)

nazrey

March 14th, 2005, 08:31 PM

RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT BATU GAJAH

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/101/edt.jpg

Minister Officiates The Ground Breaking Of Batu Gajah’s New Railway Station - 18th March 2004

The Minister of Transport Dato’ Sri Chan Kong Choy officiated Batu Gajah’s new railway station at a ground breaking ceremony at Kampung Pisang Batu Gajah, Perak.

In his speech he said the KTM Berhad's Central Workshop and Railway Training Centre would be set up there to help boost Batu Gajah town as the hub for major railway-based activities in the country.

Two complexes, would be developed on the 160-hectare site and are expected to be completed in 2008 at a total cost of about RM400 million. They would have a combined workforce of 500.

The first complex, i.e the central workshop, would replace those found in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. It is a part of the new Rail Infrastructure Development Project, and would undertake major maintenance and overhaul on KTM's rolling stock.

Another important complex would be the new railway-training centre, which would accommodate the growing demand for expertise in the railway sector and to enhance manpower skills.

The project is one of the 12 under the electrified double-tracking project connecting Rawang and Ipoh. The others are in Serendah, Rasa, Batang Kali, Kuala Kubu Baru, Tanjung Malim, Behrang, Slim River, Sungkai, Tapah Road, Kampar and Ipoh.

Dato’ Sri Chan added that the proposed training centre could also play the role of "centre of excellence" that could benefit other railway authorities in Southeast Asia.

The Railway Infrastructure Development Project as a whole would also act as a catalyst for downstream activities in the area. This will create the much needed employment opportunities and raise the quality of life of the people of Perak, and Batu Gajah.

Also present at the function were Barisan Nasional candidate for Batu Gajah Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Zaharah Shaari, KTMB chairman Tan Sri Thong Yaw Hong and KTMB managing director Encik Mohd Salleh Abdullah.

DRB-HICOM Berhad is the main contractor for Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) electrified double-tracking project.

Batu Gajah Station

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/200/cu9bp.jpg

http://img66.exs.cx/img66/5396/Raw2.jpg

nazrey

March 14th, 2005, 08:32 PM

Rail Infrastructure Development At Batu Gajah

The State Government of Perak has designated a plot of land of approximately 400 acres to accommodate the development of the new railway facilities in Batu Gajah. This project involves the construction of a new workshop, EMU depot, training centre and quarters for critical staff.

The preliminary survey work and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study were completed in July 2003. The Government is expected to appoint Detailed Design Consultants by mid 2004.

Completion is targeted by mid 2008 in order to accommodate relocation of the existing workshop facilities in Sentul. This would enable the site presently occupied by the Sentul Workshop to be handed over to Sentul Raya Sdn. Bhd. for further commercial development

Topographic And Surrounding View For Batu Gajah Project Site

1) Topographic Map Showing Location Of Project Site

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/422/bgajah1.jpg

2) View of area showing duck rearing area in a pond within the site

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/422/bgajah2.jpg

3) View of Pond located to the southwest of project site

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/422/bgajah3.jpg

nazrey

March 15th, 2005, 12:55 PM

- EIGHTH MALAYSIA PLANS (RMK8) 2001-2005

a) Rolling Stock Upgrading
KTM (Malayan Railway) Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=97484&page=1)

http://www.locopage.net/ktm-26102.jpg

nazrey

March 15th, 2005, 12:58 PM

EIGHTH MALAYSIA PLANS (RMK8) 2001-2005

b) Construction Of New Commuter Stations
- MidValley Station

May 2004

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107mid.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107mid1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107mid2.jpg

MidValley Phase 2

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=107875

New MidValley KTM Komuter Station To Begin Operation August 23, 2004 - Poster

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/826/bunting.jpg

nazrey

March 15th, 2005, 12:59 PM

http://img21.exs.cx/img21/9987/g7hiryiez2.jpg

nazrey

March 15th, 2005, 01:02 PM

The new Mid Valley station

http://img41.exs.cx/img41/6186/e5miryiez4.jpg

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/5021/mv13qz.jpg

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/1720/mv21ql.jpg

nazrey

March 15th, 2005, 01:04 PM

The major projects currently handled by the Division are :-

- ELECTRIFIED DOUBLE TRACK BETWEEN RAWANG AND IPOH
- RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT BATU GAJAH
- EIGHTH MALAYSIA PLANS (RMK8) 2001-2005
a) Rolling Stock Upgrading
b) Construction Of New Commuter Stations
- MidValley Station
- Kepong Sentral Station
c) Rehabilitation Of Infrastructure For Sabah State Railways

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kepong Sentral Station

This 42nd commuter station that will be constructed next to the Desa Complex, Kepong and located at the north of the existing Kepong Station is designed in-line with the concept adopted by the MidValley Station, i.e., disabled friendly station with parking facilities for park and ride commuters. The huge residential, industrial and commercial developments within the vicinity of the new station will provide potential increase to the commuter ridership.

The existing Kepong Station, with limited parking facilities and narrow access roads, is not conducive for park and ride concept of the commuter service. Kepong Sentral station with ample parking and contemporary facilities will mitigate this problem and is expected to attract huge patronage, particularly due to its strategic and convenient location and the presence of severe traffic congestion in this locality will make rail travel more preferable.

The award of construction contract was formalised on 28 September 2004 and the project will be implemented on a fast track design and built basis with completion by end 2005.

KLANG and KEPONG Sentral (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=130007)

nazrey

March 15th, 2005, 01:09 PM

c) Rehabilitaion Of Infrastructure for Sabah State Railways

The first phase of the Short Term Improvement Plan for the Sabah State Railway (SSR) was completed in November 2003. This RM10.67 million project was carried out jointly by KTM Berhad and SSR to sustain the present train operation and ensure that the minimum safety standard of the railway is maintained. Scope of work involved supply and renewal of sleepers and repairs of SSR’s existing rolling stocks.
The second phase of the Short Term Improvement Plan has been instituted to enhance SSR’s operational capability and safety that entails rehabilitation and upgrading of the railway infrastructure, rolling stock, signalling and communication systems. Implementation of the second phase has been approved by the Government and the completion of the work is expected within 3 years. Although geographically and administratively SSR has never been under KTM Berhad’s purview, KTM Berhad has been entrusted to undertake the implementation of the project on behalf of the Federal Government. All activities ranging from studies, data collection, preparation of needs statement, monitoring and site supervision will be utilising KTM Berhad’s in-house expertise.

The award of construction contract was formalised on 09 December 2004 and expected to be completed by mid 2007.

Route Map: Tenom - Kota Kinabalu

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/418/tenom1.jpg

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/418/tenom2.jpg

nazrey

April 6th, 2005, 08:41 PM

Railway model

http://img49.exs.cx/img49/9865/rm1816jk.jpg

http://img211.exs.cx/img211/7189/rm1418gf.jpg

nazrey

April 12th, 2005, 08:47 AM

Rail project delayed by contractor claims
FRANCIS FERNANDEZ

THE steering committee set up by the Transport Ministry to oversee the RM4.6 billion, 180km Ipoh to Rawang double tracking project, hasn’t met for more than 10 months, sources said yesterday.

Under the original plan, the special committee, headed by the Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Zaharah Shaari, was to meet weekly with the lead contractors and the main sub-contractors of the project to help fast track the completion of the job, which has missed its target completion date by close to three years.

The double tracking project was supposed to be completed by 2002, but now industry players say that it might only be completed by early 2007.

The project is split into two portions. The first is the civil and structural works, which is worth about RM2.6 billion, and the second portion is the systems works, which is worth about RM2 billion.

The lead contractor for the civil and structural works is DRB Hicom Bhd, while the systems works contract was given to Mitsui & Co Ltd, Japan's second largest trading company.

The system works can only start when the civil portion is 90 per cent complete. The civil and structural works is said to be about 85 per cent complete.

Mail Money was told that the project is progressing at slightly under 0.5 per cent a month.

At its peak, the progress was between 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent a month.

Much of the delay is believed to be due to the variation claims put forward by the main contractors for the job.

Both Mitsui and DRB have put in compensation claims, which in total exceed RM1 billion.

It is believed that the steering committee hadn’t met partly because of the disputes regarding the financial claims, as the contractors want a clear picture if their claims will be paid.

Mail Money had previously reported that the Government is in the midst of negotiating with Mitsui over its claims, while the claims made by DRB might go into arbitration.

While its not known why the Ministry hasn’t called for a steering committee meeting, industry players say there is little value in calling for such a meeting now because the delay in the project is not because of logistics but is mostly centered on the financials.

nazrey

April 12th, 2005, 07:07 PM

nazrey

April 25th, 2005, 09:10 PM

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/9putrajayapano.jpg

nazrey

April 25th, 2005, 09:13 PM

1st phase completed

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_141wwt_big.gif

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_142wwt_big.gif

KLIA transit Station @ Putrajaya/Cyberjaya
My pics

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya2.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya3.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya4.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya5.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya6.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya8.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/5107putrajaya7.jpg

nazrey

April 25th, 2005, 09:28 PM

Batu Gajah Station :

March 26,2005

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_7_l.jpg

nazrey

April 25th, 2005, 09:31 PM

Serendah Freight :

April 3,2005

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_1_l.jpg

Slim River Station

April 4,2005

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_5_l.jpg

nazrey

April 29th, 2005, 07:24 PM

Riding on success of Midvalley

KTM Komuter received a much-needed boost with the amazing success of its station at Midvalley. It now hopes to replicate this experience in future projects, writes LEONG SHEN-LI.

IN the national scheme of things, the opening of the Midvalley KTM Komuter station in Kuala Lumpur would have hardly caused a ripple.
The new station was just an additional stop along the existing Rawang-Kuala Lumpur-Seremban line, and its RM12mil price tag hardly puts it in the league of mega projects.

In fact, in strict railwayman jargon, Midvalley is not even a station but a mere halt where trains stop just long enough for passengers to get on or off.
Yet, the station, located next to the busy Midvalley Megamall, has achieved something infrastructure projects many times its cost has not managed to do
– perform beyond expectation.
KTM Bhd conservatively estimated that the station would cater to around 2,000 people at the beginning, rising to 4,000 by the end of its first year of operation.

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SPECIAL FEATURES:The Midvalley station ushers in a new era for the KTM Komuter network in terms of design. It is the first station outside KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur to be totally covered.

However, at the close of business on the first day of operations on Aug 23, over 3,000 people had walked through the station's turnstiles. On the third day, the target level was surpassed when over 7,000 people used the station.

On its fifth day, a Saturday, the numbers surged past the 10,000 mark and three days later on National Day, it went over 27,000.

Although the high use can be attributed to the holiday season, and the volume under “normal” conditions is expected to stabilise at a much lower level, the response has been nothing short of amazing.

“I will need to belanja everyone makan,” KTM general manager commuter services, Roslan Mohammed was heard telling some of his staff just after the official launch of the station on Aug 26.

The tremendous response, on hindsight, should not have been surprising. The station, after all, was designed with the necessary characteristics needed for a well-patronised, commuter-friendly station.

Although the requirements are very basic and would have been prescribed by any transport expert, they have unfortunately not been followed consistently when the Klang Valley’s rail-based public transport system was developed. That is why you find many stations with hardly any people in them.

KTM managing director Mohd Salleh Abdullah knew he had a good location for his Midvalley station. His railway lines ran hardly 100m from one of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest shopping centres.

However, he did not have a station there and for years, he missed out on the opportunity to capture the thousands who flocked to the mall everyday, all of whom needed some form of transport to get there.

When the wheels of bureaucracy turned in his favour, construction of the station began in July last year and was completed in just over a year.
Midvalley is the fourth station to have a direct link to a shopping complex, after Putraline light rail transit system’s tunnel between its KLCC station and Suria KLCC, and the monorail’s bridge links between its Bukit Bintang and Imbi stations with Sungei Wang Plaza and Berjaya Times Square respectively.
And Midvalley proves for the fourth time that such link-ups benefit both the public transport operator and the shopping centre.

While the station’s location was ideal, access to the mall was not. The busy Lingkaran Syed Putra encircles Midvalley Megamall and shoppers would have had to dodge cars and dash across the road to get to the station.

Realising the problem, mall owners Midvalley City Sdn Bhd constructed a bridge linking the mall directly to the station. The link was made user-friendly with escalators and a roof. For the blind, tact tiles were laid.

Signage within the mall was also changed to lead people to the bridge, and it did not take long for shoppers to discover this convenience.
The Midvalley station also ushers in a new era for the nine-year-old KTM Komuter network in terms of design. It is the first station outside KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur to be totally covered. It also has lifts, toilets and is disabled-friendly.

“When I told several passengers who were pushing strollers to use the lift, they were surprised. They thought it was like the other stations which only had stairs,” said Mohd Salleh. Now, KTM hopes to construct roofs at all stations.

Midvalley has certainly increased the number of people using the KTM Komuter network.

“I believe at least 80% of those using Midvalley are new users. It would not have taken away passengers from other stations,” Mohd Salleh said.
More passengers mean more revenue and, although the collection from the new station is not expected to be high – most passengers only travel the short distance to KL Sentral, which costs only RM1 – the extra money is certainly welcome.

But most importantly, Midvalley has provided a tremendous boost to the morale of those in KTM. This is especially sweet when, according to Mohd Salleh, there have been “very few things for a very long time which have brought such joy.”

“Midvalley shows that if given the opportunity, we can do well,” he said.
The good feeling has given him strength for the other projects that have been lined up, namely the Kepong Sentral commuter station, and the long-awaited Sentul-Batu Caves extension.

“I believe we can replicate our Midvalley experience if we bring the KTM Komuter to Batu Caves,” he said, adding that he was awaiting the government's green light to proceed with the project.

Meanwhile, he has been relishing every moment spent at the Midvalley station, either standing at the ticket booth or sitting on a bench at the platform, observing the cycle of commuters building up and then disappearing with each departing train.

“I more or less knew we would do well here. I just didn't know it would be this well,” he said. -THE STAR-

nazrey

May 8th, 2005, 10:12 AM

Ipoh Station

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Tanjung Malim Station :

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nazrey

May 13th, 2005, 08:10 PM

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Malaysia axes DRB-Hicom from rail job
13 May 2005

Malaysia has removed DRB-Hicom Bhd as main contractor for the country's biggest rail project, which is behind time and over budget, sources familiar with the situation said on May 13.

The government intends to give the remaining work on the RM2.60 billion project to UEM World Bhd, sources close to the government and the firms told Reuters.

The government, DRB-Hicom and UEM World declined to comment.

DRB-Hicom, which has interests ranging from auto distribution to property and infrastructure, is 15.8% controlled by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.

A source close to the deal said DRB-Hicom, which faces a cost overrun of RM700 million, plans to ask the Transport Ministry to reconsider its decision but this could not immediately be confirmed.

The source said the Transport Ministry terminated the DRB-Hicom contract two weeks ago.

"UEM was given the letter of intent about a week ago to take over the unfinished portion for RM1.10 billion," the source added.

"DRB is seeking to be allowed to finish the job if the government pays RM700 million to meet the cost overrun. The government could save RM400 million."

DRB-Hicom, which won the contract in 2000, has blamed the delays on factors such as land acquisition and late payments.

"It's a complex project. The budget was tight from the outset," said a consultant working on the project. "You are looking at an extra RM1 billion."

Newspapers have said work on the 180km track between Rawang and Ipoh is 65% complete, but 17 months behind schedule and RM700 million over budget.

The link is the second leg of an ambitious plan to modernise the country's rail system with two parallel lines of electrified track running the entire length of peninsular Malaysia.

nazrey

May 22nd, 2005, 07:00 PM

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DRB-Hicom fully paid for 'normal claims'
22 May 2005 11:45 AM
By Jimmy Yeow

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Nor Mohamed signing the plaque at the official opening of
"Bangunan Avenue". On the left is Avenue Capital Resources Bhd
chairman Tan Sri Samshuri Arshad.

The government has fully paid DRB-Hicom Bhd, the main contractor for the RM2.58 billion Ipoh-Rawang electric double-tracking rail project, for earlier agreed works, but not for some RM700 million in variance order for additional works.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the "normal claims" had been fully paid.

"The variance order is a separate issue," he told reporters after opening Avenue Capital Resources Bhd's “Bangunan Avenue” in Kuala Lumpur on May 20. He declined to elaborate.

He was responding to a question on claims by DRB-Hicom that it had not been fully paid for completing 88% of the civil works of the project as well as some RM700 million in variation cost owed by the government.

DRB-Hicom had mutually terminated the contract with the government in view of the huge debt owing by the government.

Nor Mohamed said the task of appointing the main contractor to replace DRB-Hicom was with Transport Ministry. “It is the government’s intention to complete it as soon as possible,” he said.

United Engineers (Malaysia) Bhd (UEM), which is in talks with the government, is a front-runner for the job to complete the remaining works.

UEM subsidiary UEM Builders Bhd, which is a sub-contractor for the building of RM650 million worth of bridges in the rail project, said earlier on May 20 that it was keen to take up the responsibilities.

GLCs performed extremely well
Meanwhile, on another matter, Nor Mohamed said government-linked companies (GLCs) said Khazanah Nasional Bhd and GLCs had performed extremely well last year and expected them to do better this year.

“We have just completed the first year and have seen some changes and progress, but the next 12 months will be very critical as we want to put the bulk of our vision and thinking into action,” he said.

“An important area for the GLCs for the next 12 months, especially those providing services, is that they should contribute to improving the quality of life,” he added.

Nor Mohamed said that under GLCs reforms, the government wanted to see results within three years. “The reforms are not like a 100-metre dash but more like a marathon race,” he said.

Liberalising capital market
Earlier, in his speech, Nor Mohamed said the government would implement the liberalisation of the capital market in a progressive and planned manner.

He said the deregulation of the domestic market would facilitate the emergence of strong domestic players.

“An important underlying element to improve the effectiveness of the Malaysian financial market is to encourage greater competition as it will drive market players to attain higher standards and allow them to compete both domestically and internationally,” he added.

He said Universal Brokers such as Avenue needed to remain dynamic and establish its competitive niche, particularly in the context of competition from investment banks and foreign brokers.

“Local players should view liberalisation as an opportunity to expand through international strategic alliances and financial product innovation,” Nor Mohamed said.

nazrey

June 10th, 2005, 05:49 AM

Behrang Station

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Sungkai Station :

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nazrey

June 12th, 2005, 10:45 PM

Under Kong Choy’s “fast-track” development, the Ipoh-Rawang double tracking project fell further behind schedule from one year to some four years, with the pace of completion of project only one-third of the rate before the “fast track”
(11/05/2005)
Media Statement
by Lim Kit Siang

(Parliament, Wednesday): When Datuk Chan Kong Choy became Transport Minister two years ago, the RM4.6 billion Ipoh-Rawang electrified double tracking project was one year behind schedule, as it was to be completed in 35 months in June 2003 from the commencement of the contract in July 2000.

Now, the project, which is in two packages - the RM2.58 billion infrastructure works awarded to DRB-Hicom and RM1.9 billion systems works awarded to Mitsui & Co Transport Systems – is some four years behind schedule, as it can only be operational at the earliest in 2007.

In September 2003, Chan announced a “fast track” programme to complete the Ipoh-Rawang double tracking project before October 2005 for the new train service to start in early 2006.

The dynamo of this “fast track” programme was a steering committee which Chan formed and headed by the Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Zaharah Shaari to look after the progress of the project. Chan said the steering committee would meet weekly with the main contractors to solve the problems faced in the course of implementing the project.

However, Chan’s “fast track” project made dubious history in government development as being the slowest of all “fast track” projects. Instead of meeting weekly, the high-powered “fast track” steering committee had not met for the past one year!

In September 2003, Chan announced that DRB-Hicom had completed 71.65 per cent of the infrastructure and civil works after 38 months between July 2000 – September 2003, i.e completion of 1.9 per cent of the project per month. Early this year, independent consultant, MOTT MacDonald Ltd reported that only 82 per cent of the project had been completed by December 2004, i.e. completion of another 10.35 per cent of the project in the following 14 months of “fast track” development or 0.7 per cent of the project per month. This means that work during the 14-month “fast track” phase is very much slower as it is only 36.8 per cent of the completion rate in the previous 38 months of “non fast-track” of the contract.

Chan Kong Choy should explain the dubious honour of being responsible for the slowest “fast-track” development project in Malaysian history, with the Ipoh-Rawang double tracking project worsening from one-year behind schedule when he became Transport Minister to some four years behind schedule and the rate of completion under the “fast track” only about one-third the rate before the “fast track”.

The Transport Minister cannot keep mum on my statement yesterday about the Ipoh-Rawang double-tracking project and the Malaysian public are entitled to a full explanation from Chan as to (i) whether UEM Group Bhd had replaced DRM Hicom as the lead contractor for the unfinished portion of 18% of the project; (ii) whether this is at an additional cost of RM1.1 billion, hiking the infrastructure costs from RM2.58 billion to RM3.68 billion; and (iii) how public interests are served by such last-minute “change of horse” in the lead contractor.

nazrey

June 12th, 2005, 10:46 PM

Rail boost
25-04-2005
By Jimmy Yeow

Part of the northern sector of the multi-billion ringgit double-tracking project, which was deferred in late 2003, may be revived under the 9th Malaysia Plan if proposals by the Transport Ministry are accepted.

Its minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said: â€�The double-tracking project between Rawang and Ipoh is ongoing and it is only logical that we extend it. We have put forward (proposals) to the government to extend the double-tracking from Rawang-Ipoh (180km). We have proposed some projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan covering the northern stretches.â€�

The Ipoh-Rawang stretch costing RM4.6 billion is 82% completed and will be ready in 2007.

Speaking to reporters after officiating at the 1st Asia Rail Conference & Exhibition in Petaling Jaya on April 25, Chan said the ministryâ€�s proposals covered mainly the northern portion and not the whole double-tracking project as proposed earlier. He said a major portion of the budget allocation for transportation under the 9th Malaysia Plan would go to the development of railways.

In December 2003, the government announced the deferment of the RM14.5 billion electrified double-tracking project, which was earlier jointly awarded to Malaysia Mining Corporation Bhd and Gamuda Bhd. The deferment affected the northern stretch from Ipoh to Padang Besar and the southern sector from Seremban to Johor Bahru.

At that time, the Gamuda-MMC joint venture was appointed the main contractor for infrastructure works and the lead contractor for the entire project, including the management of interface between infrastructure and systems components.

Indian Railway Construction Co, DRB-Hicom Bhd and Emrail Sdn Bhd were given first right of refusal to be appointed as sub-contractors for the 339km Ipoh-Padang Besar segment. For the 297km southern section, China Railway Engineering Corp, DRB-Hicom and Hikmat Asia Sdn Bhd were given first right of refusal to be appointed as sub-contractors.

Chan said the government would extend the project to cover the 7.5km Sentul-Batu Caves stretch and by an additional 7km to Selayang. This stretch, considered high priority due to the rapid development taking place there, is expected to cost RM400 million and take 30 months to complete. It could see a daily passenger traffic volume of 46,000.

nazrey

June 12th, 2005, 10:47 PM

DRB-Hicom’s RM4.6bil rail contract terminated
Sunday May 15, 2005

PUTRAJAYA: The Government will take over the Rawang to Ipoh electrified railway double tracking project from DRB-Hicom, the Transport Ministry said.

It said in a statement yesterday that with the decision, the contract given to project main contractor DRB-Hicom on July 3, 2000 had been terminated.

The balance of work under the contract would be given to another entity, which has yet to be appointed, the statement said.

Arrangements to appoint a new party to take over the uncompleted works are now being finalised.

The statement, however, did not indicate when the contract was terminated.

It was reported that the RM4.6bil project was behind schedule and had gone over the budget.

The 182km track is said to be 82% completed but is 17 months behind schedule.

The latest completion date reported was 2007.

KTM Berhad’s electrified double track sector in the Klang Valley now spans 150km covering Rawang, Seremban, Sentul and Port Klang.

The expansion of the double track from Rawang to Ipoh is seen as an important part of the modernisation of the railway system.

It aims to reduce travel time between Ipoh and Rawang from the present three and a half hours to two and a half.

nazrey

June 12th, 2005, 10:52 PM

As such, this is a significant project with infrastructure works required including:

- Construction of 178 km of new main line track
- Rehabilitation of 178 km of existing main line track
- Construction of approximately 43 km of track within station yards
- Construction of 13 new station buildings
- Upgrading and refurbishment of the Ipoh Station building and platforms
- Construction of a new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) depot
- Removal of all existing railway bridges and construction of 85 new bridges
- Removal of existing bridges over roads, construction of 40 new bridges and replacement of level crossings
- Construction of 17 motorcycle bridges
- Construction of 178 route km of cable troughing route including under track crossings
- Construction of 178 route km of track formation (for two tracks).

nazrey

June 12th, 2005, 11:04 PM

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nazrey

June 12th, 2005, 11:05 PM

Electrified Double Track Project Between Rawang and Ipoh
Copyright © 2004 PERSPEC PRIME (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD. All Rights Reserved.

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utopia0

June 13th, 2005, 07:56 PM

I really hope when PM table the new Malaysia Plan end of the year will include a renew emphasis on Rail development in Malaysia. Is high time to pump some money into this segment especially with the urban transit system.

And hopefully this time the project is handled at the Cabinet level and not ministry or agency level. A rail project cost a bomb and requires alot of focus, resources, planning and coordination. The country cant affort another IpohDoubleTrack delay.

Much has been announce, suggested over the last few years. Among the projects mention before were the

- Monorail from Sentul to Subang Jaya. Cancel indefinitely after the takeover of KLIG Bhd who says is not viable to construct that route

- extension of KTM Commuter to Batu Caves that cost rm400million for 7km. Works Minister has mention many times that the project is on, but yet nothing much has started

- extension of the Star and Putra LRT. Cancel since the economy crisis. never mention again

- new LRT Damansara to Cheras. Concept in KL Masterplan, but nothing has been discuss or plan.

- New route for KTM Commuter. Suggested by KTM but still in very preliminary stage of conception.

- Double Track Padang Besar - JB. Postpone by PM to cut budget deficit

- Penang LRT - only in conception.
- JB LRT - only in conception.

it has been almost 7 years since the LRT started operation. Which was build for the 98 Commonwealth games. Klang Valley residence really deserve further improvement and more rail routes as a mode of public transport. The same goes to Penang Ipoh JohorBharu will is getting over congested.

I hope we dont have to wait till the next Asian Games or Commonwealth Games before we get a new LRT line.

nazrey

June 17th, 2005, 05:09 PM

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nazrey

June 20th, 2005, 02:00 PM

Putrajaya monorail project.

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Construction of Putrajaya Monorail System: KLinfra in the running
Updated : 20-06-2005
Media : Malay Mail
Story By : SHAREN KAUR

KL Infrastructure Group Bhd (KLinfra), the operator of the monorail system in Kuala Lumpur, has emerged as the front runner to win a contract valued close to RM1 billion, to help build a similar system in Putrajaya, insiders said yesterday.

Mail Money was told the company may receive a letter of award from the Ministry of Transport in the very ¡§near future¡¨.

The 9km monorail track will seek to link several landmarks in the nation¡¦s administrative centre, among them the Putrajaya Convention Centre, Putrajaya Mosque and the Government Administrative Complex.

It is estimated that it will cost RM100 million per km of monorail track, and the contract will include the supply of trains for the track.

The Government, last year had deferred the project after a review by the Economic Planning Unit, which led the Federal Government not approving funding for the project.

Mail Money was told the money will be made available in the coming budget, but the cost will be much higher than the RM368 million, that was initially cited.

The company had built the country¡¦s first monorail link in Kuala Lumpur at a cost of about RM1.18 billion, which runs through the heart of the city.

KLinfra is the country¡¦s third urban rail system operator after Sistem Transit Aliran Ringan Sdn Bhd (Star) and Projek Usahasama Transit Ringan Automatik Sdn Bhd (Putra) light rail systems (LRT).

nazrey

June 30th, 2005, 05:17 PM

Monorail City To Build Two More Stations
Updated : 30-06-2005
Media : Bernama

Monorail City Development Sdn Bhd (Monorail City), plans to add two more stations in its route-map to link them to Mid Valley Megamall and KL Sentral within two years from now, executive director, Lai Ying Choy said.

The move, he said is part of the group's expansion plan to cater for the growing demand from the public for better accessibility to the commuter network in the Klang Valley.

"Currently, we are in the stage of seeking an approval from the Ministry of Transportation and other related parties, hopefully we can establish our operations in these two new areas within two to three years from now," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a RM30 million loan facility between the company and Bank Pembangunan dan Infrastruktur Malaysia Bhd (BPIMB), here Thursday.

The loan facility, which offers an interest rate of 3.75 percent per annum and has a tenure of 10 years, will be used by the company to finance its development cost of the "Jalan-Jalan Xintiandi" project in the Brickfields area.

Monorail was represented by its chairman, Datuk Muhamad Yasin Yahya while BPIMB by its president and managing director, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Zin.

Lai said the plan was considered as a strategic and timely move in line with the expansion of MidValley development itself and also the growing population of Kuala Lumpur.

"It is also a good strategy as it would contribute towards the government's plan to integrate Klang Valley's public transportation system," he said.

The concept involves integrating the various modes of public transport including trains, buses, taxis and park-and-ride facilities under one roof.

Bringing all components under one roof is the best solution to bring about an efficient service, Lai said.

"With the completion of these two new stations, we hope our daily ridership will grow to 80,000 from 45,000 currently," he said.

With a total of 11 fully elevated stations (consisting of Titiwangsa, Chow Kit, Medan Tuanku, Bukit Nanas, Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang, Imbi, Hang Tuah, Maharajalela, Tun Sambanthan and Brickfields), each between 600 metres to 1,000 metres apart, the KL Monorail is currently capable of handling up to a maximum 5,000 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), operating at three minutes headway with 12 numbers of two-car trains.

The 8.6 kilometre monorail elevated service will start from the Titiwangsa station in Jalan Tun Razak passing to the city centre before terminating at the KL Sentral in Brickfields.

Meanwhile, its chairman, Datuk Muhamad Yasin said under the "Jalan-Jalan Xiantiandi" project, the company is undertaking the retail development along a corridor earmarked for KL Monorail System's ancillary activities.

"Jalan-Jalan Xiantiandi flanks the Brickfields side of Klang river, across from Jalan Syed Putra and is next to the Tun Sambanthan Monorail Station and the development continues to link up with the KL Sentral Station," he said.

It features a canal running through semi-open structures of up to five storeys with 300,000 sq. ft spread over 6.7 acres of land.

Designed as a leisure, food and lifestyle centre offering upscale eateries and cafes, retail shops, a bazaar and a college/office, the area's future development include a boutique hotel and an entertainment arena.

Monorail City is a wholly owned subsidiary of KL Infrastructure Group Bhd.

nazrey

July 10th, 2005, 05:18 AM

KTM's Batu Gajah Workshop/Training Centre: Plan approval soon
FRANCIS FERNANDEZ
July 5:

THE Federal Government is close to approving a plan to build a central workshop and railway training centre in Batu Gajah for KTM Bhd, the national railway company, people familiar with the matter said yesterday.

Mail Money was told that a closed door tender might be called for the project, valued at about RM480 million by as early as this month.

The project was earlier supposed to be awarded to DRB Hicom Bhd, which had submitted a detailed plan via direct negotiations, but due to financial constrains the project was put on hold.

Among the companies which might be invited to submit their bids are YTL Corp Bhd, which had build the old workshop and training school for KTM in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, Arab Malaysian Corp Bhd and IJM Corp Bhd.

Australia’s largest construction company, Leighton Holdings Ltd and an unnamed South Korean firm, might also be invited to submit bids, Mail Money was told.

The project is said to be a priority as KTM's present base in Sentul will be giving way for residential and commercial development activities.

The project involves the construction of two buildings on a 160-hectare site as part of a new rail infrastructure development plan.

The plan calls for a dedicated centre to undertake major maintenance and overhaul of KTM's rolling stock, as well as a centre to manufacture locally-assembled wagons and coaches, which are currently mostly imported from Europe.

KTM will be the project operator for the project.

nazrey

July 13th, 2005, 09:14 AM

nazrey

July 13th, 2005, 09:16 AM

Batu Gajah railway workshop/training centre: Tender period extended
Updated : 13-07-2005
Media : Malay Mail
Story By : Sharen Kaur

THE Government has extended the tender period for the RM480 million central workshop and railway training centre in Batu Gajah, Perak, people familiar with the plan said yesterday.

The tender was supposed to be closed today, but was extended to Aug 13, as some of the companies needed more time to complete their proposals.

Mail Money was told that as many as 11 companies had been invited by the Government to submit a detailed proposal for the project.

The project is split into two portions. Portion one involves the construction of a main workshop and a EMU depot. The portion is believed to be valued at RM380 million.

Portion two involves the building of railway quarters and a training school. The portion is believed to be valued at RM120 million.

Among the companies which are planning to make submissions are Road Builder (M) Holdings Bhd, Chase Perdana Bhd, the HL Engineering-Projass Engineering JV, the Putra Perdana-Benastar JV, Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, Wamata Corp Sdn Bhd, Selecta Accord Sdn Bhd, Wira Emas Sdn Bhd, Global Flame Sdn Bhd and Tegap Dinamik Sdn Bhd.

A Malaysian-Korean consortium has also been invited to take part in the tender process.

It is understood that the Government may take as long as six months to study the proposals.

It is estimated that the project will take a minimum of 33 months to be completed.

The project is one of the biggest construction-related job on offer this year.

nazrey

July 22nd, 2005, 11:01 AM

Work on Batu Caves link to start next year
Updated : 13-07-2005
Media : The Star

Work on the long-awaited KTM Komuter extension from Sentul to Batu Caves will begin early next year and be completed in 2008.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the Government would proceed with the RM400mil project to enhance the public transport network in the Klang Valley.

The extension, when completed, should add a further 10,000 passengers to KTM Komuter's current 81,000 users, he told a press conference after a ceremony to mark the start of the use of Touch 'n Go cards on the KTM Komuter system at KL Sentral here yesterday.

The 7.2km extension from Sentul to Batu Caves which involves the building of a second track, electrification, stations and signalling was first announced in 1998 but postponed numerous times. The line will have four stations Batu Cantonment, Batu Village, Taman Wahyu and Batu Caves.

The 153km KTM Komuter service consists of two lines Sentul-Port Klang and Seremban-Rawang. The two lines intersect in Kuala Lumpur.

Chan said the tender and technical papers for the project was now being prepared.

Besides serving the residents in the area, the Sentul-Batu Caves line will also be used by tourists and Thaipusam pilgrims, he said.

He added that KTM Komuter was expected to carry more than 30 million passengers this year, up from 27.2 million last year.

On the use of Touch 'n Go on public transport, Chan said public transport operators and the card's operator Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd should agree on implementing the system quickly.

The Star yesterday reported that the last two rail-based public transport operators in the Klang Valley KL Monorail System Sdn Bhd and Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd ¨had agreed to accept the card.

While KL Monorail said it would start accepting the card in August, ERL has not given a commencement date.

nazrey

July 22nd, 2005, 11:03 AM

Electrified Double Track Project Sentul - Batu Caves
source : http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=47

In line with the Government’s Policy to alleviate road congestion and enhance the existing public transportation system, it has become indispensable to extend the existing Klang Valley Commuter Network to Batu Caves. Upon completion, residence in the Selayang/Gombak municipality would benefit from a high capacity railway service that would also serve as an alternative means for road transportation. The existing single track route will be upgraded to a double track and equipped with new infrastructure, i.e., new bridges, underpasses, drainage systems, new Sentul and Batu Caves Stations, new halts at Taman Wahyu, Kampung Batu and Batu Kentonmen, overhead electrification system 25kV AC (single phase) including modern signalling and communication system. The project is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2004 and expected to complete within a period of 30 months.

Sentul - Batu Caves EDT Project

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/423/edtbcaves.jpg

Perspective View

1) Typical Halt

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/424/bcave1.jpg

2) Batu Caves Station

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/424/bcave2.jpg

nazrey

July 22nd, 2005, 11:04 AM

2) Batu Caves Station

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/424/bcave2.jpg

Sentul - Batu Caves Commuter Line Halts & Commuter Station
by veritas : http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_13sentul.htm

Proposed three halts and an end station at an environmentally and historically sensitive site as an extension of the Kuala Lumpur commuter line located in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur.

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_131sentul_big.gif

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_132sentul_big.gif

nazrey

July 31st, 2005, 02:24 PM

Putrajaya Monorail Project To Resume Soon
July 31, 2005 12:38 PM

PUTRAJAYA, July 31 (Bernama) -- The monorail project in the federal government's administrative centre will resume soon for the convenience of the residents, workers and visitors, said Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was expected to announce the details soon.

Speaking to reporters after flagging off 165 vehicles which took part in the Putrajaya Treasure Hunt 2005, Zulhasnan said the areas where the rails, underground tunnels and stations would be built had been identified.

He said project implementor Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd was ready to hand over the facilities to the Transport Ministry for further action.

The first phase of the project would involve constructing an underground and overhead monorail system spanning 8km from the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry in Precinct 3 to the Education Ministry in Parcel E, he said.

Zulhasnan also said Putrajaya Corporation, the local authority, was expanding the public transport system in Putrajaya in stages.

He said it had offered a new tender to Nadi Putra, which operates the bus service, to deploy 53 more buses run on natural gas.

Hopefully, with the monorail in service and deployment of more buses, the transportation problem faced by a large number of the 70,000 residents and workers who commuted within the Putrajaya area daily would be overcome, he said.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

August 1st, 2005, 10:39 AM

Putrajaya's delayed monorail project may be back on track

Updated : 01-08-2005
Media : The Star

The long-delayed monorail project here may be back on track again.

The decision to revive the project came in light of the increasing number of residents, workers and tourists who now congregate to the country's administrative centre.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said there would be an announcement soon by the Transport Ministry on the status of the project.

กงWe canกฆt say much about the project at the moment. But a decision will be made soon on its status.

กงAt present, most of the infrastructure necessary for Phase One of the project, involving some 9km, is already up,กจ he told reporters here yesterday.

The infrastructure, he added, included a 4km underground tunnel linking many of the government complexes and a bridge across the main lake here.

กงThe main components of the project have been put into place. All the monorail operator has to do, once the company has been chosen, is to put in the rail and other subsidiary systems,กจ he said.

In June last year, Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad had announced that the RM400mil project was being shelved, as the Government had not approved funding for it.

It was supposed to have been completed by the end of last year. Initially, the plan was to have two monorail lines in Putrajaya.

Zulhasnan said Putrajaya Corporation was trying to implement the park-and-ride concept and enhance public transport to ease parking woes here.

กงAt present, the concept is only implemented at the Express Rail Link station in Precinct 7 while we have plans for seven such facilities. We cannot really put this plan into place until the Putrajaya monorail, which is an important part of the public transport system here, is completed,กจ he said.

He added that local bus company Nadi Putra was acquiring 55 more vehicles to add to its existing fleet of 25 to cope with demand for public transport.

Parking problems are reaching a critical point in places like Parcels B, C, D and E, where the major government offices are located, and major tourist spots like Dataran Putra.

Zulhasnan said that in addition to this, the number of Putrajaya residents had swelled to 53,000.

Yappofloyd

August 1st, 2005, 02:46 PM

Nazrey,
thanks for all of your updates on the electrified double tracking. An important project.

mrtfreak

August 1st, 2005, 04:55 PM

Thanks! I never knew that the works and such were so advanced. Guess we now need the route map for the Putrajay Monorail eh? :) Thanks again.

nazrey

October 22nd, 2005, 05:46 PM

Putrajaya Monorail

This map of the city's monorail alignment was provided by MTrans, the
company that is building the Putrajaya Monorail. The second station below
the Depot (blue dot) is the inter-modal station where passengers can
transfer between high speed rail to the international airport or Kuala Lumpur,
taxis or busses. The straight northeast-southwest line is the central corridor
of the city. That corridor already has subway tunnels built for the monorail.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004d.jpg

Subway stations have a destinctive look and will shield escalators from the
sun and rain.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004f.jpg

Inside the Putrajaya Station are simple to understand graphics. While the
monorail symbol was already in place when these photos were taken in 2004,
the system was still several years away from completion, due to the pause in construction.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004h.jpg

On the station platform were various "ingredients" of monorail track.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004l.jpg

This first section of monorail guideway was built at the same time as the
Kuala Lumpur Airport High Speed Rail line. Enough beamway was installed to
avoid distruption of surface rail lines during later construction phases.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004k.jpg

Another view of graceful arched Alweg monorail beams. Looking off in the
distance, you can see two bridges to the main land mass of Putrajaya city.
Furthest to the left is a bridge which is built exclusively for the monorail.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004m.jpg

Once complete, the monorail bridge will give riders a spectacular view of
waterways as they approach the central city. Some sense of the large scale
of this bridge is possible when you compare it to the green porta-potty in
the foreground, and it's still a good distance from the bridge.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004n.jpg

nazrey

October 22nd, 2005, 05:48 PM

Putrajaya (The main island)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/9baqklia6.jpg

nazrey

November 7th, 2005, 06:27 PM

Once complete, the monorail bridge will give riders a spectacular view of
waterways as they approach the central city. Some sense of the large scale
of this bridge is possible when you compare it to the green porta-potty in
the foreground, and it's still a good distance from the bridge.

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/PJ2004n.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9261/45535xw.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/214/52345240yr.jpg

nazrey

November 22nd, 2005, 03:57 PM

http://img265.echo.cx/img265/5994/dscn43655fy.jpg

nazrey

November 22nd, 2005, 04:03 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/tom_chew/putrajaya/Putrajaya040.jpg

nazrey

November 22nd, 2005, 04:04 PM

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/97/45234538pj.jpg

nazrey

November 22nd, 2005, 04:13 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/foyer.gif

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http://img493.imageshack.us/img493/9792/dscn46339re.jpg

nazrey

November 22nd, 2005, 04:40 PM

Terminal in progress

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2201/dscn46579cf.jpg

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/7408/dscn46549xd.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8779/dscn46439tu.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5330/dscn46409of.jpg

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/5406/dscn46532qd.jpg

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http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/2869/dscn46483od.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/7731/dscn46393mm.jpg

nazrey

November 25th, 2005, 05:11 PM

Western transport terminal Putrajaya
More infos Here (http://www.i-putra.com.my/sites/Site.cfm?id=5).

http://img499.imageshack.us/img499/4152/9797dscn50893wf.jpg

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/5016/9797dscn50841nk.jpg

nazrey

December 5th, 2005, 10:21 AM

Electrified Double Track Project Sentul - Batu Caves
source : EDT (http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=47)

In line with the Government’s Policy to alleviate road congestion and enhance the existing public transportation system, it has become indispensable to extend the existing Klang Valley Commuter Network to Batu Caves. Upon completion, residence in the Selayang/Gombak municipality would benefit from a high capacity railway service that would also serve as an alternative means for road transportation. The existing single track route will be upgraded to a double track and equipped with new infrastructure, i.e., new bridges, underpasses, drainage systems, new Sentul and Batu Caves Stations, new halts at Taman Wahyu, Kampung Batu and Batu Kentonmen, overhead electrification system 25kV AC (single phase) including modern signalling and communication system. The project is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2004 and expected to complete within a period of 30 months.

Sentul - Batu Caves EDT Project

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/423/edtbcaves.jpg

Perspective View

1) Typical Halt

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/424/bcave1.jpg

2) Batu Caves Station

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/424/bcave2.jpg

Proposed three halts and an end station at an environmentally and historically sensitive site as an extension of the Kuala Lumpur commuter line located in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur.

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_131sentul_big.gif

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_132sentul_big.gif

YTL and Siemens in talks to take over project
SHAREN KAUR
Dec 5

YTL Corp Bhd, the country’s largest builder, and Siemens AG, Europe’s largest engineering group, may take control of the RM480 million Sentul-Batu Caves high speed rail contract, people familiar with the matter said yesterday.

Mail Money was told that YTL is in talks with Siemens to take over the three-packaged rail project.

"YTL wants to rope in Siemens to work on the three packages with Sentul Raya, by providing its expertise in signalling and electrification works," Mail Money was told.

It is firmly believed that Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd, partly owned by YTL, had secured the letter of intent (LoI) for the first package worth as much as RM230 million from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) last month.

The LoI for package two, worth about RM80 million, was given to Saujana Beta Development Sdn Bhd, a unit of Brunsfield Corp Sdn Bhd, while the LoI for package three, worth nearly RM150 million, was given to privately-held Golden Land Development Sdn Bhd.

Mail Money was told that Sentul Raya had been nominated by the MOF to work on package one, as well as manage package two and three.

The MOF had also asked Sentul Raya to interface all the three packages and deliver the project within schedule.

"The Sentul-Batu Caves project is an important project. The MOF wants to engage companies with railway expertise so that the whole system is delivered on time," said the source.

Apart from Siemens, the companies which have the infrastructure expertise to undertake the job are Bombardier Transportion, Balfour Beatty Plc, Alstom Transporation, Westing- House, Union Switch & Signal, Ascom AG (Switzerland) and Korea LG.

nazrey

January 5th, 2006, 05:52 PM

Govt Assessing Coaches For Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh Electric Train

IPOH, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- The government is assessing the trains to buy for the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh electric train service which is scheduled to commence in early 2008.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Thursday that the government was looking for the most suitable model but did not disclose details like the cost or the manufacturer.

He was speaking to reporters at the railway station here after arriving from Kuala Lumpur on board a train to inspect the progress of the construction of the 204km Ipoh-Rawang electric double-track railway.

He said the RM4.1 billion project was scheduled for completion by the end of 2007.

"The infrastructure works which are now 84 per cent completed are scheduled to be ready end of this year while the system works will be fully completed by end of next year to enable the service to be launched in early 2008," he said.

On the service for the route, he said the journey between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur would take more than two hours and the train would only stop at the Batu Gajah, Kampar, Tapah, Slim River, Tanjung Malim and Rawang stations.

"This means that Ipoh residents can commute to work in Kuala Lumpur," he added.

The project was delayed before it was taken over by UEM World Bhd from DRB-Hicom Bhd last June.

nazrey

January 18th, 2006, 07:23 PM

Progress Photograph
1) Railway Bridge BR527 - Sg. Keranji

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/425/rwgipoh1.jpg

2) ROB Jalan Tapah - Teluk Intan

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/425/rwgipoh2.jpg

3) New Centralised Train Control (CTC) At Sentral KL Station

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/425/rwgipoh4.jpg

4) Serendah Station

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/425/rwgipoh3.jpg

nazrey

January 22nd, 2006, 04:35 AM

nazrey

January 23rd, 2006, 05:31 PM

Locomotives underutilised
By Cindy Tham
10-01-2006

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is unable to maximise the use of the 40 high-power locomotives it bought for US$123 million (RM461 million) due to the delay in the completion of the Rawang-Ipoh double-tracking project.

With the double-tracking, KTMB will be able to raise the capacity by five-fold from the current operations. In the meantime, the national railway is losing out on the chance of making more revenue.

According to KTMB, it will be able to use these high-power locomotives for freight trains more frequently after the completion of the double-tracking project between Rawang and Ipoh. These locomotives from the US and China will be able to serve the busy freight sector between Ipoh and Port Klang, it said.

“We anticipate the capacity increase to be five-fold,” it said in an email reply to FinancialDaily.

KTMB had acquired 20 high-power Blue Tiger locomotives from General Electric Company, USA (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=902073#post902073), which arrived in stages beginning 2003. “All 20 of these locomotives are now fully commissioned,” it said.

The Blue Tiger locomotives, including capital spares, cost US$64.5 million via the counter trade of palm oil, it said.

KTMB said it had acquired another 20 high-power locomotives from Dalian (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=97484&page=5&pp=20), China, which cost US$58 million — including capital spares — also via the counter trade of palm oil.

By last November, it had received 12 of these locomotives from China, which are currently undergoing commissioning tests.

KTMB said the high-power locomotives are capable of operating 30 to 40 wagons per run, compared with 20 wagons with existing locomotives.

The hauling capacity of these high-power locomotives is 2,500 tonnes as opposed to only 1,200 tonnes using existing locomotives, it added.

These high-power locomotives are expected to reduce the national railway’s dependence on locomotives leased from India.

KTMB is currently leasing 20 locomotives from India. “This number will be reduced to 15 in 2006, 10 in 2007 and by 2008, we expect to stop leasing the locomotives,” it said.

The average cost for leasing and maintenance is expected to come up to about RM13 million for 15 locomotives for 2006, it said.

Work on the 179-km electrified double-tracking project between Rawang and Ipoh, which took off in 2000, was initially scheduled to be completed in 2002. DRB-Hicom Bhd was appointed to handle the construction of the infrastructure part of the project.

Following delays and cost overrun, the government announced last August that it had terminated the contract with DRB-Hicom and appointed UEM World Bhd to take over the rest of the work.

The RM4.1 billion project is now scheduled for completion by the end of 2007.

nazrey

January 23rd, 2006, 05:49 PM

Picture by : KonstantineChoo from KTMRailwayfan Club

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_128.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_137.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_133.jpg

nazrey

January 23rd, 2006, 05:52 PM

Picture by : KonstantineChoo from KTMRailwayfan Club

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_164_2.jpg

Main entrance

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_130.jpg

nazrey

January 23rd, 2006, 05:54 PM

Picture by : KonstantineChoo from KTMRailwayfan Club

Ticket counters

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_131_2.jpg

Cafeteria

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser_129.jpg

nazrey

January 29th, 2006, 05:31 AM

Less attractive or was never attractive?

Is Rawang today less attractive than the towns in the south? Chan, understandably, does not think so. "It is just that those areas have become more attractive. Properties located in the southern corridor are enjoying enhanced values as development there is government-led. The infrastructure is in place, making the properties a more attractive investment," he reasons. "If Cyberjaya and Putrajaya weren't in the south, property prices in Puchong wouldn't be as high as that."

Talam's other developments are in the south, one of which is at Putra Perdana.

However, the property consultant at DTZ Debenham Tie Leung maintains that Rawang was never attractive. "Most developers went to Rawang based on the premise that there was going to be a lot of development by the state government, such as Proton City," he says.

"There has been no emphasis on Rawang's rejuvenation," he adds, noting that "the few rows of pre-war shop houses" in the town centre are the only commercial units in the town. Avtar agrees, saying that as the population has grown, the businesses in town handle a lot more transactions.

nazrey

January 29th, 2006, 05:32 AM

Rewriting the ending

All said and done, can the ending for Rawang be rewritten? Developers with existing projects and those embarking on new ones seem to think so.
Talam's Chan says that as the southern corridor has become quite congested, there is potential for development in the north that caters to the country-living concept.

One of the newer developments here, the Emerald township, jointly developed by Hong Leong Properties Bhd and Singapore-based Hong Bee Land Sdn Bhd, is banking on the country lifestyle concept that it offers, among others.

At the Serendah Golf Resort north of Rawang, the developer of Taman Rawang Perdana -- SunwayMas -- is planning a 200-acre mixed development. Its marketing manager, Madeline Soo, says that the company is planning to launch 2-storey terraced and semi-detached units early next year, again a resort-type of housing development.

However, these are private sector initiatives. For Rawang to be truly rejuvenated, efforts have to be government-led, says the DTZ Debenham Tie Leung consultant.

"Since there are huge landbanks available, the state government should start educational centres to act as the growth catalyst, to draw more industrialists," he adds, stressing that the educational institutions need to be market-driven, catering to the agro-based or electronics industries.

There is hope yet for Rawang. According to a spokesperson for the Selayang Municipal Council, the local authority is expected to unveil a detailed development plan for Rawang (up to 2020) very soon.

The plan is expected to gazette areas for industrial, housing and agricultural activities as well as earmark forest reserves. It is expected to be launched by the Selangor Menteri Besar this month, the spokesperson tells City & Country.

Meanwhile, a privatised project, undertaken by SAP Holdings Bhd and Mahumas Sdn Bhd to redevelop parcels of state and federal land, is expected to be a boon to the town. This project will see the development of commercial properties, the construction of a bypass and a new taxi and bus terminal.

There is also potential in leisure-related developments. The local authority, it has been proposed, should set up information kiosks or centres to inform both residents and non-residents of the activities available in the town.
"Tourism is one area that is yet untapped," says the consultant at DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, citing the Ulu Yam-Batang Kali area with its waterfalls as a site where eco-tourism developments can be undertaken.
With the Gombak Forest Reserve and the Main Range nearby, Rawang would be what the pioneer developers had said it would be -- green.
"Rawang and the north cannot challenge the south in economic terms… there is no way they can do it. The only way of going about it is through non-competitive areas," reasons the consultant.

nazrey

January 29th, 2006, 05:33 AM

Traffic woes in Rawang

There doesn't seem to be any conscious effort to improve traffic congestion in this town. It is not surprising to find bumper-to-bumper traffic on the trunk road during the weekends as people head for tourist spots like Genting Highlands. There is also a daily traffic crawl along the main trunk road to Kuala Lumpur.

As a result, areas that are outside the congested spots in Rawang, like Taman Rawang Perdana, are preferred by investors, says First Serendah's Avtar. According to him, the traffic jam, made worse by narrow roads, can be so bad that the crawl may extend from Sungai Choh (north of Rawang) right up to Templer Park on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

Although the North-South Expressway is an option for motorists, Avtar says "the increase in toll has discouraged many buyers".

It is timely then that KTM Bhd began its commuter services in August 1995. The number of Rawang commuters this year is close to 60,000 a month, up from 30,000 a month in 1995 and 41,000 in 1998, a KTMB spokesperson tells City & Country.

Image-wise, Rawang hasn't been able to shed its "cowboy town" tag, and motorists who double-park along the main road in the town centre while they run their errands are not helping much.

nazrey

January 29th, 2006, 05:34 AM

Rawang revival

No regrets, just no luck!" says Talam Corp Bhd managing director Tan Sri Chan Ah Chye, emphatically, when asked if he had any regrets about venturing into Rawang. Chan, who is also chairman of the company, believes that if the expected growth in the northern corridor had materialised, Talam's two projects -- Bukit Beruntung and Bukit Sentosa -- would have enjoyed phenomenal sales and growth.

But is it merely luck that has resulted in development in the southern corridor overtaking that of the north? Does the location of the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang and the development of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, all in the south, mean that developers are ignoring the north?

City & Country tours Rawang, taking a look at some of the development in and around this town, as well as the areas that hold potential for future development.

Between the early and mid-1990s, most of the major developers fought for a presence in Rawang. Talam, Land & General, Tanco Properties -- you name it -- had their respective land banks in the area or were busy acquiring them.
The public sector was just as excited about its prospects. In 1994, the Selangor government acquired 2,400ha of land in Kalumpang, near Tanjung Malim, for an integrated development to be undertaken by the Selangor State Development Corp. The Perak government also offered Hicom Bhd a site for its car assembly plant in Behrang.

Back then, property developers and consultants had only positive things to say about Rawang and the northern corridor. "An investor's goldmine" was the catchphrase property players used, recalls a consultant with proper advisors DTZ Debenham Tie Leung.

The northern corridor and Rawang seemed to have everything going for them. The North-South Expressway had just been completed, slashing travel time between Rawang and Kuala Lumpur. Most of the developers capitalised on this to promote the "country-living concept".

There was also talk that the KLIA would be located in the Bernam Valley, north of Rawang, Talam's Chan tells City & Country. And so, by the mid-1990s, Rawang and its neighbouring areas were literally besieged by new property developments.

Then came the announcement by the government to locate KLIA in Sepang. The federal government's new administrative capital, Putrajaya, was also to be sited in the south as was the Multimedia Super Corridor and its high-tech city, Cyberjaya. The south started seeing rapid development with areas like Puchong becoming much sought-after due to their proximity to the airport and the much-improved road network.

Like bees to honey, developers began to shift their attention to the southern corridor. And, although not forgotten, the northern corridor began to lag in infrastructure, property development activities and property values.

nazrey

February 22nd, 2006, 10:01 PM

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/6800/sslide34xm.jpg

nazrey

February 22nd, 2006, 10:06 PM

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6710/sslide94dp.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 04:37 PM

Ipoh station

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319ra1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319ra.jpg

by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017214i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017213i.jpg

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http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017171i_2.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 04:39 PM

Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1016995i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1016994.JPG

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 09:59 PM

Waiting lounge
Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017217i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017200i.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 10:04 PM

Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017184i.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 10:07 PM

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017195i.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 10:09 PM

:)

Blue tiger locomotive
Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com
Doing shunting work with cement tank cars

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017176i.jpg

Cement Wagons

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/Picture_034.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 10:10 PM

Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017211i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017197i.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 10:14 PM

Concrete partnership
Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017042i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017018i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017014i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/falim-ipoh_trip_15.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017044i.jpg

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 11:02 PM

Ipoh c1919
Picture from TimLight99 of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/1919_Ipoh.jpg

nazrey

April 3rd, 2006, 09:45 AM

Putrajaya monorail suspension bridge
April 2006

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/802/79dk.jpg

nazrey

May 10th, 2006, 12:18 PM

Double Railway Track

http://www.europeanprofiles.com/images/photo/large/900001/Railway_Track.jpg

http://www.europeanprofiles.com/images/photo/large/900001/Railway_Track02.jpg

nazrey

May 23rd, 2006, 08:22 AM

Keretapi Tanah Melayu on track to recovery
By Sharen Kaur
May 23 2006
BusinessTimes

KTMB has drawn up plans to improve products, services and capacity.
Besides acquiring new trains and engines, it intends to make train travel
a more pleasant and comfortable experience for commuters

KERETAPI Tanah Melayu Bhd's (KTMB) future looks more promising, especially since the Government has announced the implementation of several new railway infrastructure projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

But for managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah, the amount allocated may not be enough.

Under the 9MP, the Government allocated RM4.1 billion for railway infrastructure, whereby RM2.9 billion represents on-going construction activities, and RM1.1 billion for new projects.

"There is little room to improve especially on track capacity. This is because the RM4.1 billion allocated is definitely not enough to complete projects successfully. I may have to re-examine KTMB's strategy and re-privatise the more critical projects now.

"Furthermore, nothing much was mentioned on the much anticipated billion ringgit Northern and Southern double-tracking project. The double-tracking projects would have been the future for many, especially KTMB," Mohd Salleh told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur.

KTMB had finalised a 17-year business growth plan in 2003, which would have seen the national railway company on the road to recovery. The plan consisted of three levels - the recovery stage from 2003 to 2006, the consolidation stage from 2007 to 2010, and the growth period from 2011 to 2020.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed and hope that in the mid-term review planned in 2008, the Government will have something more concrete to announce on the North and South double-tracking project," added Mohd Salleh.

Rail projects approved under the 9MP include the Sentul-Batu Caves double-tracking rail project; the extension of double track commuter lines in Negri Sembilan; procurement of rolling stock; rehabilitation and upgrading of railway infrastructure involving tracks and bridges; and the building of double tracks from Taiping to Padang Renggas.

In the meantime, Mohd Salleh said, KTMB has its own plans to improve its products, services and capacity so it could be more efficient as a service provider.

These include acquiring six new train sets to service the line from KL Sentral to Ipoh, introducing new services to cut short travelling time in some areas, implementing a new commuter service from Rasah/Batang Kali to Rawang by year-end, and increasing passenger services during peak hours at some areas to alleviate congestion on the road.

"We have six KL-Singapore-KL services while for Penang, we have two services to and fro KL-Butterworth-KL. We will increase these services but only after the completion of the Rawang-Ipoh double-tracking project. We will also bring back our Express Rakyat services, which we had to cancel due to the double-tracking job," said Mohd Salleh.

KTMB is also looking at ways to improve facilities and disabled-friendly services at all its commuter stations, introducing second entrance and elevated entry at some stations, and preventing illegal crossing of tracks.

"We will soon identify 20 locations for building pedestrian motorcycle lanes. We are looking at 10 locations in Klang Valley alone. We will submit a paper to the Cabinet soon and call for tenders," said Mohd Salleh.

Other measures to improve services include expanding the use of Touch & Go and MyKad for travel, and requesting that the Government divert one line from Port Klang to Seremban so that the company can run more trains.

"This bypass is very important as our turnaround time is very critical. KTMB has been faced with this problem for many years now. Port operators and factory owners have to also be mindful of our operations."

Mohd Salleh said KTMB also hopes to educate the public on why train services are more useful and convenient compared to prime movers.

"Total fuel consumption for rail services is 8.4 million litres a year, while for prime movers it is 36 million litres. We could carry the same load as prime movers using less fuel," he said.

Wisarut

May 23rd, 2006, 02:05 PM

Bung Nazrey,

Look Great for Ipoh station after double tracking/renovation ...

However, it would be MUCH BETTER if there are at least 10-20 trains a day that pass Ipoh station

nazrey

May 29th, 2006, 07:00 AM

Plans to start Sentul-Batu Caves rail project by year-end
By Sharen Kaur
BusinessTimes
May 29 2006

The letter of award may be issued for the high-speed
rail project within the next couple of months

THE Government may issue the letter of award (LOA) for the three-packaged Sentul-Batu Caves high-speed rail project within the next couple of months so work can start by year-end, KTM Bhd's (KTMB) chief says.

The project involves the installation of a double-tracking system along a 7.5km stretch and upgrading of the Batu Caves station.

KTMB managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah told Business Times that the Government had talked about finalising the Sentul-Batu Caves project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Monday/Corporate/BT566175.txt/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/dailyn1/salehktm.jpg

"The Government is considering issuing the LOA to the right contractors so that works could commence by year-end. The extension of our rail services to Batu Caves will benefit the public greatly," he said.

Meanwhile, companies holding the letter of intent (LOI) for the project are believed to have negotiated their final offer price with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and KTMB.

The companies are Sentul Raya Sdn Bhd, a unit partly-owned by YTL Corp Bhd; Saujana Beta Dev Sdn Bhd, a unit of Brunsfield Corp Sdn Bhd; and privately-held Golden Land Development Sdn Bhd.

The three received the LOI for package one, two and three respectively from MOT late last year.

It is believed the individually-negotiated packages has brought the total