ELECTRIFIED DOUBLE-TRACKING PROJECT of Malaysian Railway [Archive]

szehoong

October 23rd, 2003, 05:34 AM

MMC-Gamuda wins RM14.5b job

BY WONG SULONG AND JAGDEV SINGH SIDHU

GAMUDA Bhd and Malaysia Mining Corp Bhd (MMC) have received a letter of award from the Government for the electrified double-tracking rail project worth RM14.448bil. The project is the biggest construction job ever awarded in Malaysia.

The 50:50 MMC-Gamuda joint venture, which has been appointed main contractor for the infrastructure component and lead contractor for the entire project, plans to complete the project within four years: three years for infrastructure works and one additional year for systems works, Gamuda said in a statement to the KLSE yesterday.

The work is to build railway tracks between Ipoh and Padang Besar, and between Seremban and Johor Baru.

The front runners for the project's northern section - Ircon International Ltd and DRB-Hicom/Emrail – and southern portion – China Railway and Engineering Corp and DRB-HICOM Hikmat Asia – would be given the right of first refusal to be appointed sub-contractors for the civil works. The Government would, however, determine the division of such work.

“Our proposal fully complied with the Government's Statement of Needs for the project,'' Gamuda managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling said in an exclusive interview with StarBiz.

“If the government does not change its Statement of Needs, the RM14.5bil price cannot change.''

Lin said RM4bil of the RM14.5bil was for system works and about RM10bil was for civil works, an area where Gamuda is an expert.

About 80% of the civil job cost is for earthworks, soil improvement, tunnels and bridges. Almost 300 bridges would be built in the project. :eek:

The government also wants the railway tracks to carry a train every hour and 100,000 passengers per day. Furthermore, trains should be able to travel at 160kph.

MMC-Gamuda must give the government RM772.4mil as a performance bond. Gamuda would fund its share of expenses in the performance of the contract through internally generated funds and bank borrowings.

Although the government had awarded the project to the MMC-Gamuda consortium, Lin acknowledged that the front runners still had a shot of building the railway lines as sub-contractors.

“If they match our price, we will then be out of a job,'' he said.

Lin expects the negotiations for the sub-contracting work would be completed within the next two weeks. The likelihood of the sub-contractors meeting MMC-Gamuda's price is, however, slim given that their final proposal was RM19.7bil, and the price they must propose to the MMC-Gamuda consortium as sub-contractors should be lower than RM14.5bil.

Another factor that could have influenced the government decision in awarding the double-tracking project to MMC-Gamuda was their parallel proposal to privatise KTM Bhd as it was an important cog in the concept of an integrated rail network to improve Malaysia's competitiveness.

Lin said although the proposal to privatise KTM was not contingent on MMC-Gamuda winning the double tracking contract, it fit into the consortium's bigger plans in revamping the country's entire railway network.

“What we offered the government was the best of both worlds. We plan to plough back the profit from constructing the railway tracks into KTM as an investment,'' he said.

szehoong

October 23rd, 2003, 05:35 AM

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2003/10/23/business/p1nationalrail.jpg

szehoong

October 23rd, 2003, 06:12 AM

KTM revamp important to consortium

THE MMC-Gamuda consortium, which plans to inject up to RM1bil in working capital into KTM Bhd, knows it would be tough to turn around the national railway company but believes it can be done with an integrated rail-sea-air network.

“We want to take the bull by the horns,'' said Gamuda Bhd managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling.

The proposed privatisation would entail the government taking back RM800mil of debt and the consortium leasing the railway assets from the government for a nominal sum.

In addition, the government would foot the bill for the first batch of rolling stock needed for KTM to operate a new electrified double track running along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. “But overall, we will eventually spend more (on rolling stock),'' said Lin.

Taking over KTM means that Malaysia Mining Corp Bhd (MMC) and Gamuda would have a major business division in the future. And to turn around the company, the consortium knows that it needs to change and improve the operations of KTM.

The vision of an integrated logistics network, when realised, would mean that goods shipped out of or into Malaysia could be transported to their destination with just a single bill of lading.

Lin said the same concept could be applied to air passengers, just as in Europe, where travellers could check in their luggage at a train station and pick up their bags on arrival at their destination. “In one or two years after the tracks are commissioned, we can turn KTM around.”

He acknowledged that MMC-Ga- muda would have to upgrade the east coast line as part of its efforts to revitalise the nation's railway network.

But it was the need to turn around KTM quickly that prompted the consortium to set a timeframe of four years to finish the double tracking project instead of the government's original target of five years. “The original target would have meant an additional year of losses for us,'' said Lin.

baqthier

October 23rd, 2003, 06:26 AM

Amazing project man! But aiyo no double track to Pahang and still need to go to Melaka by bus :D
Nevertheless, 300 bridges is WOW!

baqthier

October 23rd, 2003, 06:27 AM

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2003/10/23/nation/6555826&sec=nation

Stock mart smashes 800 mark

KUALA LUMPUR: The KLSE Composite Index (CI) convincingly broke the psychologically-important 800 level after impressive gains by blue chips such as Malayan Banking Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd and Malaysia International Shipping Corp Bhd.

The 100-company CI jumped 14.8 points to 805.11 at the close with the broader market indicator, Emas Index, adding 3.4 points to 199.63 and the Second Board Index edging up 1.61 to 135.58.

A total of 800.4 million shares valued at RM1.7bil were traded with gainers overwhelming losers by 556 to 267 and 233 counters trading unchanged.

The KLSE, which saw its best performance this year, had also bucked the regional market trend, with the exception of Thailand.

Analysts said the recent consolidation had set the base for the market, thus prompting fund managers to accumulate blue chips, particularly oil and gas and construction counters.

Investors had also rushed to the scene in view of the shorter trading week due to the Deepavali holiday tomorrow.

“The market is coming out of its recent consolidation period with the previous day's market gains giving investors the confidence to come in strongly,” said Mayban Securities head of research Zulkifli Hamzah.

Positive factors such as the Government's decision to issue more covered warrants on selected counters and to award contracts for the massive RM14.5bil double-tracking railway projects to a consortium led by Malaysia Mining Corp Bhd and Gamuda Bhd had also lifted market sentiment.

szehoong

October 23rd, 2003, 07:16 AM

The ‘meat’ and ‘bone’ in MMC-Gamuda railway contract

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2003/10/23/business/p3lini.jpg
Datuk Lin Yun Ling

Gamuda's MD Lin Yun Ling explains explains why the government decided to build a double-track railway from Johor Baru to Perlis to Business Editor Wong Sulong and Jagdev Singh Sidhu.

STARBIZ: For background, please explain to our readers why the government decided to build a double-track railway from Johor Baru to Perlis.

Lin: The project is part of the trans-Asia rail project linking Singapore and Kunming in south China. In Malaysia, the railways are grossly under-utilised.

In Malaysia, the percentage of passenger traffic serviced by rail is only 0.3% of total passenger traffic while the percentage in other countries is anything between 7% and 32%.

For freight, which is even more important to the economy, the percentage carried by rail in Malaysia is 0.7% while the percentage in other countries is between 7% and 50%.

Malaysia needs to use the railway network to solve its transportation problems. In the longer term, the imbalance between rail and road utilisation is unsustainable.

StarBiz: Why is the MMC-Gamuda consortium interested in taking over a privatised KTM?

Lin: We offer the government a package. You can consider the construction of the double-track railway as the “meat” and the operation of KTM as the “bone” since KTM is a loss-making business. Our competitors submitted a bid for the construction of the double track, but not on KTM.

We submitted a package for both. Of course, if the government wants to give us only the “meat”, we will take the “meat”. But we also told the government we are prepared to take the “bone” as well. We are confident we can turn around the railways.

StarBiz: Why do you think you can turn KTM around when others have failed?

Lin: I think those who ran KTM previously were interested in what they could do with the KTM land. For us, we told the government: “We are not interested in the land. You take back all the land. We want the rail assets and operate the railways. Just leave us alone to do it.”

I'd like to emulate Petronas. It’s a government-owned agency, yet it has performed extremely well. Hassan Merican (Petronas president) says the single most important factor in Petronas' success is minimal government interference in its operations.

We intend to inject up to RM1bil in equity into KTM. We have done the due diligence. Currently, KTM is a sad picture. Each year, KTM has an operating deficit of RM150mil and the government pays them RM50mil to RM70mil a year. So they have what you might call deferred maintenance.

When we go in, the funding gap on this is already about RM400mil. Over the next four years, when double-tracking is going full steam, they will still incur RM150mil to RM180mil in operating deficit.

But we think after double-tracking is completed, we would be able to turn it around. We will plough back the profits from construction of the double track to operate the railways. So there is no leakage of funds. There will be no subsidies.

StarBiz: Why did you take MMC as your partner?

Lin: To turn around KTM, you need a different business model; you need to integrate air, road and rail into a logistics service chain. The European Rail Shuttle allows an airline passenger to check in his baggage at railway stations in 20 cities.

Similarly, imports unloaded at Rotterdam port can be transported by rail to 20 European cities. The service is seamless. We need such a service in Malaysia. This is already happening in many countries, so we would not be doing anything that is out of this world. MMC is working at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Senai airport. It makes sense to go together with MMC to develop this air/road/rail logistics service chain.

StarBiz: The MMC-Gamuda consortium came into the picture at a very late stage, whereas the Indians and Chinese have been working on the project for more than two years. Therefore, it’s understandable that they are disappointed they did not win the award. What have you got to say to that?

Lin: It’s true we came in at a late stage. But we submitted a price that was far below our competitors'. We told the government we could build a double-track railway that meets all that was contained in its Statement of Needs (SoN) for RM14.448bil compared with the most recent price of RM19.7bil quoted by our competitors.

The government, in awarding the contract, has its own consultants to examine in details the respective bids and I believe what we offered was comparable to the competitors'. But the Indians and Chinese will still have the first right of refusal to be appointed as sub-contractors.

StarBiz: MMC and Gamuda have never built or operated a railway.

Lin: I told (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) that in the past Gamuda never built houses; we did not build roads; we were not even a contractor. But today we do all these and have built up core competencies in these sectors. Give us a chance. We know we can do it.

StarBiz: It was reported that your bid contained a 30% variation clause that effectively allows you to increase the cost of the project by 30%. Is that true?

Lin: No.

StarBiz: Can you categorically say that there is no such variation clause in the letter of award?

Lin: Yes. Our price of RM14.448bil is the final price. There is no agreement to vary the price unless the government changes its SoN.

TYW

October 24th, 2003, 03:32 PM

great!! when will the west coast be double tracked?

szehoong

October 25th, 2003, 04:31 AM

Originally posted by TYW

great!! when will the west coast be double tracked?

Your mean the EAST coast izzit??? :?

.......I would think so because this whole thread is on the double-tracking of the WEST Coast......;)

Cock-eyed again ah? :D :laugh:

glenj

October 28th, 2003, 08:41 AM

Business Times - 28 Oct 2003

North-South Railway project likely to begin soon

MMC-Gamuda tie-up to negotiate with former rivals

By EDDIE TOH
IN KUALA LUMPUR

GROUNDWORK for the massive railway project, which will make it possible for a train to zip between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in under three hours by 2007, is likely to begin soon despite snags, company officials said.

Executives of Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary's Malaysia Mining Corporation (MMC) and partner Gamuda, which have bagged the RM14.5 billion (S$6.6 billion) contract, said they will begin negotiations with two former front-runners for the country's biggest infrastructure job.

The 50:50 MMC-Gamuda partnership will carry out their pledge to offer Indian Railway Construction Co (Ircon) and China Railway Engineering Corp (CREC) the right to undertake construction works for two major stretches of the North-South Railway project should they match the Malaysian consortium's bid of RM14.5 billion. Ircon and CREC had earlier submitted a combined bid of RM42 billion but they have since whittled it down to under RM20 billion following the emergence of the Malaysian offer.

Still, it was not good enough. Attracted by the comprehensive solution drawn up by MMC and Gamuda, the government picked the Malaysian partnership despite their lack of experience.

At the same time, the government has abandoned its earlier intention to engage the Indian and Chinese groups to electrify and double track the Ipoh-Padang Besar and Seremban-Johor Baru stretches respectively.

The Malaysian government is not expected to budge despite howls of protest. 'Letters of intent are not binding. I don't think the question of reimbursement (to the Chinese and Indian firms) arises,' said Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy over the weekend. His ministry has awarded a binding contract to MMC and Gamuda.

Another problem was the unexpected threat of a lawsuit to stop work on the North-South Railway project by little-known Keretapi Trans-Asia (KTAB).

Although Gamuda felt there is no legal basis for claims by KTAB, its share price eased 15 sen to RM7.65 yesterday.

According to New Straits Times yesterday, Gamuda said it signed a pre-bid agreement in April 2002 with KTAB subsidiary Keretapi Trans-Asia (M) (KTAM) to undertake contract works for KTAB in the event that KTAB secured the award for the double-tracking project.

According to the report, Gamuda argued that it would undertake the construction work and KTAM would collect a commission from Gamuda based on the agreement.

'The pre-bid agreement does not preclude Gamuda from securing the project by other means or with other parties. We have instructed our lawyers to commence legal action against KTAB,' Gamuda said.

The North-South Railway in Malaysia is part of the US$30 billion 5,500km Trans-Asia Rail Grid between Singapore and Kunming in south China.

TYW

October 31st, 2003, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by szehoong

Your mean the EAST coast izzit??? :?

.......I would think so because this whole thread is on the double-tracking of the WEST Coast......;)

Cock-eyed again ah? :D :laugh:

yeah, i ment east. this time not cocked-eye it is arm dislocation:D

nazrey

February 3rd, 2004, 09:28 PM

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_14_ls.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_20_lf.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_15_ld.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_12_lj.jpg

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_13_l.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_24_l..jpg http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_2_l.jpg

nazrey

February 3rd, 2004, 09:33 PM

BETTER LATER.

http://202.47.160.21/doubletrack/images/sslide10.jpg

http://202.47.160.21/doubletrack/images/sslide11.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_17_l1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_18_lh.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_5b_l.jpg http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_5_l1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_24_lf.jpg
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_2_ls.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_1_l.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_27_ld.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_10_lk.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_10_l1.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_27_l.jpg http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_5_l.jpg

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

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

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_24_l.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_23_l.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_23_l1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_23_ld.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_25_ld.jpg
http://www.ijm.com/current_major_rawang.htm

TYW

February 4th, 2004, 12:00 PM

thanks 4 the pics, nazrey. which station is that??

szehoong

February 4th, 2004, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by TYW

thanks 4 the pics, nazrey. which station is that??

The last 7 pictures are Ipoh Railway Station lah ;)

U din see the old station frontage meh? :bash: :D

TYW

February 4th, 2004, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by szehoong

The last 7 pictures are Ipoh Railway Station lah ;)

U din see the old station frontage meh? :bash: :D

huh?? got meh:bash:

suddenly 1st 2 pics cannot open:?

szehoong

February 4th, 2004, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by TYW

huh?? got meh:bash:

suddenly 1st 2 pics cannot open:?

You could see the Ipoh Railway Station in the 2nd, 4th and 6th picture! :bash: :D

nazrey

February 4th, 2004, 07:47 PM

If from Tumpat to KL too - :okay:

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/421/north.jpg

nazrey

February 8th, 2004, 09:50 AM

http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_122ipoh_big.gif
http://www.veritas.com.my/port_varc_transp/trans_tran_ipoh2.htm

nazrey

February 21st, 2004, 01:04 PM

fastly Ipoh Station revolution

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_25_ll.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_26_ll.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_24_ll.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_23_ll.jpg

they update here
http://www.ijm.com/current_major_rawang.htm

szehoong

February 21st, 2004, 01:55 PM

Originally posted by nazrey

If from Tumpat to KL too - :okay:

http://www.ktmb.com.my/images/default/articles/421/north.jpg

good but the Tumpat-Gemas line isn't viable as it doesn't have the volume lah. Anyway I hope they double-tracked all the lines! :D

But we won't be seeing that like maybe in 20 years to come cos it costs a lot of money :(

szehoong

February 21st, 2004, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by nazrey

fastly Ipoh Station revolution

they update here
http://www.ijm.com/current_major_rawang.htm

yup.....good work Nazrey! :okay:

keep us updated! ......I am really impressed by their progress man! ;)

Pablo

February 21st, 2004, 02:41 PM

Wah..u really expert in searching this kind of pics..great job:) keep up your work:)

Pablo

February 21st, 2004, 02:43 PM

wah..still long time to go when the construction is start in Penang
:(

szehoong

February 21st, 2004, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by Pablo

wah..still long time to go when the construction is start in Penang
:(

They postponed the double-tracking for Ipoh-Padang Besar stretch already mah :cry: ....so it would be sometime when Penang would see anything :(

February 21st, 2004, 03:25 PM

Actually it sounds weird, but i heard some people say that the Electrific Double Track is actually the KTM Komuter Rawang-Seremban route. It sounds crazy but can some of you give me an answer?
:?

szehoong

February 21st, 2004, 03:35 PM

Originally posted by KJ

Actually it sounds weird, but i heard some people say that the Electrific Double Track is actually the KTM Komuter Rawang-Seremban route. It sounds crazy but can some of you give me an answer?
:?

yup...they are right too....the first phase of the electrification and doubel traking are done within Klang Valley. The routes are Rawang - KL, KL - Seremban and KL - Port Klang routes. The next phase is the Rawang - Ipoh route. and the last 2 phase is the Ipoh - Pdg Besar route and the Seremban - JB route. ;)

hypermount

February 21st, 2004, 03:35 PM

I remember reading an article dated back to 1989 critising big projects like penang bridge.

Now people of penang can't live withoutthe bridge! the current PM no balls one

They should build the thing la cos price will inflate one in future.

PLus even jam during festive seasons sigh.

szehoong

February 21st, 2004, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by hypermount

I remember reading an article dated back to 1989 critising big projects like penang bridge.

Now people of penang can't live withoutthe bridge! the current PM no balls one

They should build the thing la cos price will inflate one in future.

PLus even jam during festive seasons sigh.

Although the double tracking is important, I think our PM knows what he's doing. He just postponed the project only - he can't cancelled it....too much money spent planning it. One of my friend is actually working on this project and they already had detailed plans laid out so cancelling it would be a waste. ;)

February 21st, 2004, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by szehoong

yup...they are right too....the first phase of the electrification and doubel traking are done within Klang Valley. The routes are Rawang - KL, KL - Seremban and KL - Port Klang routes. The next phase is the Rawang - Ipoh route. and the last 2 phase is the Ipoh - Pdg Besar route and the Seremban - JB route. ;)

Wow! I see. So next time after the double track had been build, i can take a train in Klang to Singapore? hehe :D

szehoong

February 21st, 2004, 03:59 PM

Originally posted by KJ

Wow! I see. So next time after the double track had been build, i can take a train in Klang to Singapore? hehe :D

errr....not really......Klang is running on KTM Komuter while the KL-Sg line are serviced by KTM Intercity. You still need to change train at KL Sentral ;)

Actually now also the same system.....just that after the double-tracking....the trains would be faster and less bumpier! :D

hypermount

February 21st, 2004, 04:44 PM

I never ride a train in my whole life. Must try one someday...

If not counting Komuter and LRT's lah.

szehoong

February 21st, 2004, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by hypermount

I never ride a train in my whole life. Must try one someday...

If not counting Komuter and LRT's lah.

hahaha.......no surprise man.....you stay in Melaka...there's no station in Melaka....your hometown is KT......the railway did not touch Terengganu at all.....kesian lah! :D

When you wanna try....me wanna join cos I;ve not ride it from KL Sentral before! ;)

February 22nd, 2004, 01:38 PM

Anyway, when the train will start to run? And the Ipoh to Padang Besar Rail, will it go through Sungai Petani? Sungai Petani had a single track that link to Thailand. :? :D

hypermount

February 22nd, 2004, 03:37 PM

Originally posted by szehoong

hahaha.......no surprise man.....you stay in Melaka...there's no station in Melaka....your hometown is KT......the railway did not touch Terengganu at all.....kesian lah! :D

When you wanna try....me wanna join cos I;ve not ride it from KL Sentral before! ;)

COOL somedaysure :D. From KL sentral to where, penang or JB? :D

Maybe can try the first class coach, got bunk to sleep on hehe.

I'm not sure how far is between Melaka and Gemas, the east-west rail exchange. Maybe can try jungle train ride to kelantan. The favourite route for Mat Salleh one. And it's slow and tedious ;).

hypermount

February 22nd, 2004, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by KJ

Anyway, when the train will start to run? And the Ipoh to Padang Besar Rail, will it go through Sungai Petani? Sungai Petani had a single track that link to Thailand. :? :D

Cool. You can actually enter Thailand through Sungai Petani?

Sungai Petani is quite dense too with all those historical shophouses. Like Tampin in Melaka and Muar in Johor. Post some pictures :D

February 22nd, 2004, 04:15 PM

No..... I mean there is a single track that GO THROUGH Sungai Petani..... It also go through Alor Setar and Perlis and then Thailand..... :D

hypermount

February 22nd, 2004, 04:31 PM

Ok I see. Have to go to Padang Besar in Perlis still :D.

D_Y2k.2^

February 23rd, 2004, 06:33 AM

Hey i heard before about a proposal to have a train station in Melaka!It will be located in Ayer Keroh.Suppose to use the ERL train and is linked to KLIA.But not sure whether the government still continuing the project.

szehoong

February 23rd, 2004, 02:06 PM

Too bad the Ipoh - Padang Besar & Seremban - JB stretch been postponed :cry:

I 'push' this thread up for those whom are still confused over our doube-tracking project.

The phases are highlighted in the graphic on the second post above ^^^

;)

ZaHiRnYa???

February 24th, 2004, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by szehoong

Too bad the Ipoh - Padang Besar & Seremban - JB stretch been postponed :cry:

Wah...why have to be like that :rant:

...but then the flyover construction back in Taiping already been completed. The flyover was build to cater for the construction of the double tracking.

ZaHiRnYa???

February 24th, 2004, 06:42 AM

February 24th, 2004, 03:56 PM

Haiya, we have nothing to do about it. Unless Malaysia economy will as good as before the 1998 Economy Crisis :D Anyway, I heard that the Bakun hydroelectrci had been cancelled beacuse of the crisis. Is that right? :?

ZaHiRnYa???

February 25th, 2004, 02:31 AM

Originally posted by KJ

Haiya, we have nothing to do about it. Unless Malaysia economy will as good as before the 1998 Economy Crisis :D Anyway, I heard that the Bakun hydroelectrci had been cancelled beacuse of the crisis. Is that right? :?

Eh..Bakun Hydroelectric already almost finish la. Just a bit behind schedule only right ?

February 25th, 2004, 02:25 PM

Really? Weird, why i don't know about? :?

szehoong

February 25th, 2004, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by KJ

Haiya, we have nothing to do about it. Unless Malaysia economy will as good as before the 1998 Economy Crisis :D Anyway, I heard that the Bakun hydroelectrci had been cancelled beacuse of the crisis. Is that right? :?

The dam isn't cancelled but was stalled following the financial crisis. Construction resumed in year 2002 but was VERY slow. ;)

szehoong

February 25th, 2004, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Eh..Bakun Hydroelectric already almost finish la. Just a bit behind schedule only right ?

Nope.....the whole project is far from completion. Now that they are in an ownership crisis lagi worse man. It would take another few years before all thye infrastructure works are done ;)

ZaHiRnYa???

February 26th, 2004, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by szehoong

Nope.....the whole project is far from completion. Now that they are in an ownership crisis lagi worse man. It would take another few years before all thye infrastructure works are done ;)

What sort of ownership crisis you talking about?

szehoong

February 26th, 2004, 06:15 AM

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

What sort of ownership crisis you talking about?

Well.....the current company which owns Bakun Hydroelectric dam are called Sarawak Hydro. So there are a few parties which are interested in Sarawak Hydro and apparently the forebidder if the company is a company owned by Tan Sri Syed Al-Bukhari are being forfeited as the company still hasn't fulfilled its subsequent payment of the purchase. Sop Sarawak Hydro are now opened for tender again but with some dispute.......very complicated stuff eh? ;)

ZaHiRnYa???

February 26th, 2004, 06:21 AM

Originally posted by szehoong

Well.....the current company which owns Bakun Hydroelectric dam are called Sarawak Hydro. So there are a few parties which are interested in Sarawak Hydro and apparently the forebidder if the company is a company owned by Tan Sri Syed Al-Bukhari are being forfeited as the company still hasn't fulfilled its subsequent payment of the purchase. Sop Sarawak Hydro are now opened for tender again but with some dispute.......very complicated stuff eh? ;)

Confusing enough for me :D . Any picture of that Bakun project anyone ?

szehoong

February 26th, 2004, 07:14 AM

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Wah...Trengganu did not have any railway line ke? How come?

Ask KTM ler :D......actually I think becos Trengganu doesn't have any economic significance during the colonial times ( The British built the line ;) )

szehoong

February 26th, 2004, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by KJ

Anyway, when the train will start to run? And the Ipoh to Padang Besar Rail, will it go through Sungai Petani? Sungai Petani had a single track that link to Thailand. :? :D

The double-tracking would involved the old line now being used by KTM. Is the Sg. Petani line still used by KTM? If it is that means that line would be part of the double-tracking ;)

szehoong

February 26th, 2004, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by hypermount

COOL somedaysure :D. From KL sentral to where, penang or JB? :D

Maybe can try the first class coach, got bunk to sleep on hehe.

I'm not sure how far is between Melaka and Gemas, the east-west rail exchange. Maybe can try jungle train ride to kelantan. The favourite route for Mat Salleh one. And it's slow and tedious ;).

First class is a bloody rip-off man! Double the price of second-class ticket man........if you're taking a train to certain destination like Tumpat in Kelantan, even 2nd class would have the sleeping berth. The difference probably between the second-calss and first-class here is that you actualy get a room to yourself. For trips to places like Singapore - First class would actually get ya wider seats thats all.......not all first class have sleeping berth ;)

February 27th, 2004, 05:07 AM

Originally posted by szehoong

The double-tracking would involved the old line now being used by KTM. Is the Sg. Petani line still used by KTM? If it is that means that line would be part of the double-tracking ;)

Very good :D If the track had open, i can take a train to Kuala Lumpur from S.Petani :colgate: Anyway, when did the Rawang to Ipoh line open? :?

February 27th, 2004, 05:07 AM

szehoong

February 27th, 2004, 06:58 AM

Originally posted by KJ

Very good :D If the track had open, i can take a train to Kuala Lumpur from S.Petani :colgate: Anyway, when did the Rawang to Ipoh line open? :?

If the track opened.....you also had to be sure that Sg. Petani would have a station for you to take a train down to KL. ;) .....Anyway I think it would have one station therelah as Sg. Petani isn't some obscure kampung...... :)

The Rawang-Ipoh stretch isn't opened yet lah.......I think they would open it sometime next year ;)

February 27th, 2004, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by szehoong

If the track opened.....you also had to be sure that Sg. Petani would have a station for you to take a train down to KL. ;) .....Anyway I think it would have one station therelah as Sg. Petani isn't some obscure kampung...... :)

The Rawang-Ipoh stretch isn't opened yet lah.......I think they would open it sometime next year ;)

Now in Sg. Petani had a KTM Intercity station. Just i never go there :D So I think if the track is build, they will build a new station or rahabillation the station........

szehoong

February 28th, 2004, 04:50 AM

Originally posted by KJ

Now in Sg. Petani had a KTM Intercity station. Just i never go there :D So I think if the track is build, they will build a new station or rahabillation the station........

They would probably rebuilt the station ;)

February 28th, 2004, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by szehoong

They would probably rebuilt the station ;)

Yes.maybe... But as i see the Station and the rail.... it seems impossible to double tracking here... Because the both side of the track had building...... and the old track need to cross a road as both side of the track had town.... :D

szehoong

March 2nd, 2004, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by KJ

Yes.maybe... But as i see the Station and the rail.... it seems impossible to double tracking here... Because the both side of the track had building...... and the old track need to cross a road as both side of the track had town.... :D

As I've not been to Sg. Petani before and that I am not involved in the project, there's only 2 things I could predict would happen -
1) Houses and buildings on either side of the track would be demolished to make way for this project

2) The track would by-pass downtown Sg. Petani (with a possible station for the town).

;)

nazrey

April 17th, 2004, 07:16 AM

updated picture of the construction.

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/H5N30852CW/GX5E8BNVDR9X/JPEG/1081393011//z3o7

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/N2K925ZHYN/SJB6HZ7191MB/JPEG/1081393011//z3o7

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/DYO5U14EKA/8246E80SCC57/JPEG/1081393012//164q

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/179377M5QF/K209BPS74X9E/JPEG/1081393012//164q

Ipoh station

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/859Z3FW710/Q5FT8BK0L63I/JPEG/1081393343//164q

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/L6EF0U101Z/K8WVN33G00O6/JPEG/1081393343//164q

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/7QN4L8CN11/9F893QRFPXDD/JPEG/1081393644//164q

http://65.75.186.160/picserver/img.php?/7Q515ALK5S/QN2146IF0ELH/JPEG/1081393344//164q

ZaHiRnYa???

April 17th, 2004, 07:33 AM

Nazrey...again your picture do not appear la :ohno:

szehoong

April 17th, 2004, 10:31 AM

Nazrey...again your picture do not appear la :ohno:

huh....I could see the pictures mah........ :?

nazrey

April 17th, 2004, 02:58 PM

Ipoh station goes on....
Updated : 08/06/2004

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797current_major_rawang_ipohstn_1_l.jpg?1883

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797current_major_rawang_ipohstn_2_l.jpg?2607

nazrey

June 9th, 2004, 02:42 PM

Slim River Station

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797current_major_rawang_slimriverstn_1_l.jpg?2849

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797current_major_rawang_slimriverstn_2_l.jpg?974

nazrey

June 9th, 2004, 02:44 PM

AWARDED PROJECT FOR ELECTRIFIED DOUBLE TRACK PROJECT BETWEEN RAWANG AND IPOH (INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS)

RB / KLSE Announcements - 20 Sep 2001

The Board of Directors of Road Builder (M) Holdings Bhd ("RBH") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Road Builder (M) Sdn Bhd ("RBM") has been awarded the following works (described in the table below) for the project entitled "Electrified Double Track Project Between Rawang and Ipoh (Infrastructure Works)" via letters of award dated 12 September 2001 which was received by RBM on 19 September 2001.

The site possession date for the works is 12 September 2001. The construction period is 27 months from site possession date.

The aforesaid project is expected to contribute positively to RBH Group's future earnings.

None of the directors or substantial shareholders or persons connected to such directors or substantial shareholders have any direct or indirect shareholdings in the aforesaid project.

Brief description of Works & Contract Sum

(1)The Execution and Completion of Site Clearance, Earthworks, Drainage, Culvert and Other Associated Works.
Package 1A (Rawang to Batang Kali)
RM34,392,000.00

(2)The Execution and Completion of Site Clearance, Earthworks, Drainage, Culvert and Other Associated Works.
Package 5A (Kampar to Kota Bharu)
RM30,800,000.00

(3)The Execution and Completion of Site Clearance, Earthworks, Drainage, Culvert and Other Associated Works.
Package 5B (Kota Bharu to Batu Gajah)
RM22,400,000.00

TOTAL CONTRACT SUM: RM87,592,000.00

http://www.rb.com.my/NonFlashSite/UpdatesAnnouncements/Arc_Details.asp?intNewsID=48
http://www.asianewsnet.net/template.php?No=4418&logo_name=Business%20News&SectionID=2&backissue=2002-08-13

nazrey

June 9th, 2004, 02:47 PM

Kuala Kubu Baru Halt

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797current_major_rawang_kualakubuhalt_2_l.jpg?2403

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797current_major_rawang_kualakubuhalt_1_l.jpg?1365

http://www.ijm.com/current_major_rawang.htm

Most of the squatters, which had been one of the main reasons behind the project's delay apart from technical difficulties, have been successfully relocated. The Infrastructure Package is expected to be complete by the end of 2004 while the System Package is expected to be complete by the end of 2005. Taking into account testing and commissioning, new train services are expected to be able to begin operation in early 2006.
http://www.drb-hicom.com/newsroom/highlights/11september03_trans_minister_visits_edt.htm

Bauer in Malaysia
http://www.bauer.de/bag/englisch/presse/malaysia.htm

June 13th, 2004, 04:08 PM

I am confuse a little. Are they rebuild the old single track and build another single track along the old track or build 2 new track besides the old track?

Centrilium

June 22nd, 2004, 09:04 PM

I am confuse a little. Are they rebuild the old single track and build another single track along the old track or build 2 new track besides the old track?

I'm kinda curious too about this.Why build another track which is similar to the old one(double tracking) when they can add a little more investment and build a brand new HST one?Weird.

nazrey

August 21st, 2004, 02:50 PM

constructions updated 22/08/2004

Ipoh Station

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797ipohstation.jpg?4754

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797ipohstation1.jpg?97

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797Ipoh_Station.JPG?1807

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797Ipoh_Station1.JPG?3408

nazrey

August 21st, 2004, 02:53 PM

Batang Kali Halt

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797Batang_Kali_Halt.JPG?672

Batu Gajah Station

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797Batu_Gajah_Station.JPG?1754

Tanjung Malim Station

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797Tanjung_Malim_Station.JPG?4775

nazrey

August 22nd, 2004, 10:24 AM

Pedestrian bridge.

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/4319current_major_rawang_18_lh.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_5b_l.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/current_major_rawang_5_l1.jpg

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797rw.JPG?3266

nazrey

August 28th, 2004, 09:20 PM

Rawang Ipoh double track project
Bill Jack and Aaron Sinniah
http://www.ansaldo-signal.com/project.htm

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797ipohstation.jpg?4754
Ipoh station

Work on the 180km electrified double tracking project from Rawang to Ipoh is 66.85% complete, said KTM Berhad project management general manager Tajuddin Mohd Yusoff. Work on the RM2.85bil infrastructure package by DRB-Hicom is 66.5% completed while the RM1.15bil systems package by Mitsui-MTS Consortium is 67.38% completed. Tajuddin also said KTM was able to successfully relocate most of the squatters, which had been one of the reason for the project's delay besides technical difficulties. The project is part of KTM's long-term Johor Baru to Padang Besar double tracking project.

Rawang is a suburb of Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh is a major town 180 km north of Kuala Lumpur. The Infrastructure Scope calls for the provision of 25 KV electrified double track from Rawang to Ipoh.

The Signalling scope includes the provision of a US&S Microlok Processor Based Interlocking Signalling system at 14 new stations. The signalling will comprise three aspect bi-directional signalling designed to KTMB (Malaysian Government Railway) principles, with DC track circuits in stations and CSEE UM71 Audio Frequency track circuits in block sections.

ATP will be ATSS L10000 type. Local Control will be US&S VDU (Visual Display Unit) based system at each station and remote control will be by Siemens ILTIS (train control) system using Genisys protocol. Remote Control will be from a new Control Room in the new Kuala Lumpur Central Station.

The Signalling works were awarded to Union Switch & Signal in 2001 and the company has an established office in Kuala Lumpur with a project team of some forty personnel comprising a number of ex-patriates and local personnel.

For this project, there was a requirement for significant design resources. As it was not practical to relocate the design personnel to Kuala Lumpur it was necessary to establish design teams in Brisbane, Australia and Bangalore, India as well as some local design specialists in Kuala Lumpur.

The Project has now moved through the design phase successfully and installation work has now commenced with work progressing at several sites.

Over the next two years, it will be an extremely challenging task for the installation and testing and commissioning crews who will be responsible for the final successful commissioning of the Project.

baqthier

September 6th, 2004, 03:42 AM

The Star Online > News
Monday September 6, 2004

New deadline for rail project

BATANG KALI (Selangor): The RM4.2bil Rawang-Ipoh double tracking and electrification project, due to be finished by the first quarter of 2006, has been further delayed.

It is now only expected to be completed by the end of 2006, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.

He said the project would continue as planned as it was a vital part of upgrading the country?s transport system.

?The project is important for the modernisation of the railway transportation system and for the development of the nation on the whole,? he said during an official visit to Kampung Bukit Chandang here to meet residents.

In July, Chan said the Government stepped in to get work on the Rawang-Ipoh stretch moving after paying the four sub-contractors involved.

DRB-Hicom Bhd is the main contractor for the infrastructure package involving the construction of a 179km double track and the electrification of the line between Rawang and Ipoh, while the main contractor for the systems package is Mitsui Co Ltd.

The four main sub-contractors appointed by the Government for the infrastructure package are Perspec Prime (M) Sdn Bhd (for civil works), UE Construction Sdn Bhd (bridge construction), IJM Corporation Bhd (station construction) and Emrail Sdn Bhd (track laying).

Industrial sources said the project had virtually come to a standstill due to cash-flow problems resulting in the sub-contractors not being paid.

nazrey

September 25th, 2004, 08:35 AM

More updates...

Serendah Halt

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/9238/Raw1.jpg

http://img66.exs.cx/img66/7420/Raw4.jpg

Batu Gajah Station

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

Kuala Kubu Baru Halt

http://img66.exs.cx/img66/768/Raw3.jpg

Tanjung Malim Station

http://img27.exs.cx/img27/1128/raw5.jpg

http://img81.exs.cx/img81/6452/raw9.jpg

nazrey

September 25th, 2004, 08:51 AM

Route Map: Rawang - Ipoh EDT Project

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

kuala kubu station

http://img156.exs.cx/img156/5440/kualakuburoad3ep.jpg

nazrey

September 25th, 2004, 09:00 AM

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

September 25th, 2004, 09:44 AM

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

baqthier

November 18th, 2004, 12:11 PM

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797Batu_Gajah_Station.JPG?1754
Looks sleek. I hope they choose the right colors for this!

mams

November 22nd, 2004, 06:09 PM

Rawang-Ipoh Railway Project To Be Ready In Early 2007

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The 179-km electrified double-tracking railway project between Rawang and Ipoh is expected to be ready in early 2007, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Monday.

The RM4.6 billion project was originally scheduled to be completed in 2002 and was later deferred to early 2006.

Work on the Ipoh-Rawang project involved the construction of a new track, 13 new station buildings and the renewal and realignment of the existing track, Chan said in his keynote address at the two-day National Multimodal Transport Conference 2004 here today. His speech was read by his deputy, Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas.

The project also involved the refurbishment of the Ipoh railway station, the replacement of railway and overhead road bridges, upgrading of level crossings with overhead bridges and constructing a new depot.

DRB-HICOM Bhd is the main contractor of the project while KTM Bhd is the project manager.

Chan had said in earlier reports that the project had been delayed due to payment problems and that the government had directly paid RM20 million to the subcontractors to fasttrack the project.

The four sub-contractors involved are UE Construction Sdn Bhd (a unit of United Engineers (M) Bhd), Perspec Prime (M) Sdn Bhd, Emrail Sdn Bhd and IJM Corp Bhd.

-- BERNAMA

ZaHiRnYa???

November 23rd, 2004, 04:45 AM

Eh...bukan this project was put on hold ke :?

szehoong

November 23rd, 2004, 09:25 AM

Eh...bukan this project was put on hold ke :?

The project that was put on hold is the Ipoh - Padang Besar and Seremban - JB double-tracking and electrification. The Rawang - Ipoh stretch isn't affected as it is already very well- progressed ;)

nazrey

December 6th, 2004, 09:39 AM

view from a newly constructed 6-lane overhead bridge.
90% similar to Mid Valley station, except that there are waiting room and tickets room, no lift.
note : the old/ existing track runs parallel to the station on the right side.

Batang Kali KTM Komuter station
by KonstantineChoo

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

platforms of Batang Kali station

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser1_009.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser1_004.jpg

nazrey

December 6th, 2004, 09:43 AM

Stesen Komuter Batang Kali 2, 13/11/2004
by KonstantineChoo

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

tracks just outside Batang Kali station

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser1_010.jpg

level aggregate as foundation for new double rail tracks near Batang Kali

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/308/fraser1_018.jpg

baqthier

December 6th, 2004, 11:40 PM

Nice station but looks like it is situated out of nowhere!

mams

December 7th, 2004, 04:01 PM

Rail jewel in crown for Syed Mokhtar
JOSE BARROCK and FRANCIS FERNANDEZ

DRB-HICOM Bhd’s existing railway-related projects look set to be the jewel in the crown of Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary’s growing empire, and also the business which may initially post the greatest difficulty for his management team.
With Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's statement last week, Syed Mokhtar looks increasingly likely to emerge as a substantial shareholder with management control over DRB.

The immediate problem for whoever who takes over the management control of the conglomerate conglomorate will be on how to resolve the “variation order issue” with the Federal Government.

Mail Money understands that DRB is seeking as much as RM600 million from the Federal Government as extra costs to complete the RM2.6 billion Ipoh-Rawang double-tracking job.

DRB is believed to have undertaken the additional jobs, which were not in the initial plan, based on advice and instructions from several government agencies.

It is believed these agencies didn’t get written approvals from the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

As such, the MOF has been reluctant to release the variation order requests.

Nevertheless, the rail business, if it could be turned around, looks set to emerge as the jewel in the crown for Syed Mokhtar-powered DRB.

This is because Syed Mokthar’s current flagship, MMC Corp Bhd, has a letter of award from the Government to undertake rail-electrification job linking Johor Baru (JB) in the south to Padang Besar in the north.

The job is estimated to cost as much as RM14.5 billion.

Although the MMC-Gamuda Bhd partnership has the letter of order, the Government has postponed the project until a budget is made available for the job.

Industry players say if a Syed Mokthar-powered DRB can now complete the long-delayed Ipoh-Rawang job in record time, it will put him in good stead to bid for rail jobs overseas using MMC and DRB as a vehicle.

It may also give him another crack at the JB-Padang Besar job, which could well be Malaysia’s single most lucrative construction job on offer over the five years

nazrey

December 12th, 2004, 07:26 AM

Slim River station, Perak
by Zakaria

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/30/DSC03330.JPG

Kampar station

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/P1020405.JPG

Kota Baharu station
front view

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/DSC09851.jpg

one can see the old station by the side of the new one and with the mainline untouched.

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/P1020289.jpg

nazrey

December 13th, 2004, 04:33 PM

Tapah road station
by zakaria

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/132/P1020056.JPG

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/DSC09483.jpg

nazrey

January 13th, 2005, 03:15 PM

Ipoh-Rawang rail project 82% complete
Chan

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM4.6 billion Ipoh-Rawang electric double tracking rail project is 82% complete.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said on Monday the project is expected to be fully completed as scheduled by the first quarter of 2006.

The remaining 18% involves track works, signals and the power station, he said after launching "The Advanced Technology in Malaysia Signalling" convention.

He said a steering committee headed by ministry secretary-general, Datuk Zaharah Shaari and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd is closely monitoring the project's progress.

The government is paying four sub-contractors -- Emrail Sdn Bhd, UEConstruction Sdn Bhd, IJM Corporation and Perspec Prime (M) Sdn Bhd -- RM20 million in stages to continue building the tracks.

Chan said the project was initially delayed because of the problems faced in land acquisition and the relocation of squatters in the affected areas.

Updated: 02:45PM Mon, 19 Jul 2004

nazrey

February 22nd, 2005, 04:58 PM

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

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

nazrey

March 2nd, 2005, 04:45 PM

- Optical Transmission Network· responsible for configuration of KTMB's digital transmission network for data and speech transmission from Centralised Train Center in KL to 25 railway stations.
to manage the installation, testing and commissioning of digital transmission network with the supervision of KTMB's consultant via optical cable system.
to supervise the interfacing and integration of various KTMB's data and voice network
- PABX· to install, test and commission one main PABX system in CTC and interconnecting with other three satellite PABXes via optical transmission system.
to provide comprehensive telephone billing system and digital multi-recording devices.
- Signal Post Telephone System· to install, test and commission 500 units of emergency telephones along railway route via copper cables with 25 nos of local control centers and one main control conters located in CTC. The lcoal control centers is interconnecting with the main control centers via optical transmission network.

New Centralised Train Control (CTC) At Sentral KL Station (http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=425)

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

nazrey

March 6th, 2005, 10:16 AM

by hafizi
Stesen Serendah

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

nazrey

March 6th, 2005, 10:17 AM

Ipoh station
by Jason

http://img230.exs.cx/img230/2752/ipoh0fa.jpg

nazrey

March 6th, 2005, 11:15 AM

by Jason

http://img230.exs.cx/img230/1046/ipohplatform3ib.jpg

nazrey

March 6th, 2005, 11:20 AM

Renovating Ipoh station
by Jason

http://img230.exs.cx/img230/3439/ipoh62sw.jpg

The old platform

http://img203.exs.cx/img203/7343/platform313vw.jpg

TYW

March 7th, 2005, 06:16 AM

wow!! ipoh station looks BEAUTIFUL !!!

mams

April 11th, 2005, 07:55 PM

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 25th, 2005, 09:29 PM

Batu Gajah Station :

March 26,2005

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

nazrey

April 25th, 2005, 09:36 PM

Serendah Freight :

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

Slim River Station :

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

D_Y2k.2^

April 26th, 2005, 08:03 AM

Wah,all of them looks really nice man.Have they started operating the stations?

szehoong

April 26th, 2005, 08:29 AM

Rail project back on track

PETALING JAYA: The expansion of the double-tracking electrification rail project, put on hold since December 2003, will resume under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, with emphasis on the northern sector.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the ministry had submitted a proposal to the Government to extend the present network of the country's largest infrastructure project.

“It is only logical that we further expand the project under the Ninth Plan,” he told reporters after opening the first Asia Rail conference and exhibition here yesterday.

Chan was asked if the Government had plans to revive the RM14.5bil double tracking project, which was postponed to give priority to projects already committed to under the Eighth Malaysia Plan when the country was facing a budget deficit.

“The project was only postponed at that time. Construction on the Rawang-Ipoh section is ongoing. We are proposing something beyond that,” he said declining to name the actual locations.

It is understood that the stretches in the northern sector that had been identified include Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam and Padang Besar.

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2005/4/26/nation/p10chan.jpg

CHUGGING AHEAD: Chan holding up the rail magazine which he launched after opening the first Asia Rail conference and exhibition in Petaling Jaya Monday. With him are KTM Bhd chairman Tan Sri Thong Yaw Hong and KTM Bhd freight service general manager Abd Radzak Abd Malek.

The double-tracking project would involve the laying and electrification of 636km of tracks spanning the length of peninsular Malaysia and be part of the 5,600-km trans-Asia rail link connecting Singapore and Kunming in China.

It was earlier awarded to a local consortium comprising Malaysia Mining Corp Bhd (MMC) and Gamuda Bhd.

Chan said the Government was also looking at expanding the existing Klang Valley Komuter electric double-track network from Sentul to Batu Caves and Selayang to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the public transportation system.

He also said KTM's rail freight charges may increase this year in view of escalating operating costs following rising diesel prices.

KTMB managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah said the Government approved the last freight charge revision in 1992 while commuter fares were revised in February 2003.

He said rail freight business contributed 35% or RM107mil to KTMB's total revenue of over RM330mil last year.

D_Y2k.2^

April 26th, 2005, 11:18 AM

wah!its resumed!But i thought i read from the earlier post stating that this project is not in the 9th Malaysian plan?

szehoong

April 27th, 2005, 04:34 AM

^^^ Well.....it is gonna be proposed to be included in the 9th Malaysian Plan so let's hope for the best :okay:

D_Y2k.2^

April 27th, 2005, 04:23 PM

yes!i definitely will support this proposal!Go go go!

nazrey

May 22nd, 2005, 06:58 PM

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/images/logo_edgeasia.gif
DRB-Hicom fully paid for 'normal claims'
22 May 2005 11:45 AM
By Jimmy Yeow

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_2803aa70-cb73c03a-15cd9c00-2e1fc226/1/Nor%20Mohd_K&N_inside.jpg
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 13th, 2005, 08:14 PM

DRB-Hicom, govt agree to arbitration
Updated : 13-06-2005
Media : The Edge
Story By : Jimmy Yeow

DRB-Hicom Bhd and the government have agreed to appoint an arbitrator to resolve the dispute on the variance order claims for the Ipoh-Rawang electrified double tracking rail project, DRB-Hicom chairman Tan Sri Mohd Saleh Sulong says.

¡§An independent claims consultant who is acceptable to both parties will be appointed,¡¨ he told reporters after the launch of the Isuzu D-Max pickup truck in Petaling Jaya on June 13.

Mohd Saleh said several names had been proposed. ¡§We are negotiating with the government,¡¨ he said. On when they hoped to resolve the issue, he said: ¡§To DRB-Hicom, the sooner the better.¡¨

DRB-Hicom was the main contractor of the RM2.58 billion project until last month when it had mutually terminated the contract with the government on grounds of the huge debt owing, including allegedly some RM700 million for additional works.

The government later paid up the debts for work completed under the original contract, but not for the variance order. DRB-Hicom claimed that it had completed 88% of the civil works under the project.

Late last month, UEM Builders Bhd was appointed by the Transport Ministry to take over and lead the project for an interim period. UEM Builders was the original sub-contractor undertaking the construction of RM650 million worth of bridges in the project.

nazrey

August 12th, 2005, 02:43 AM

Govt still owes DRB-HICOM for rail job, says Saleh
Updated : 17-05-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : CHONG POOI KOON

CONSTRUCTION and automotive group DRB-HICOM Bhd says it is still owed a substantial amount of money for work already done on the delayed RM2.6 billion Rawang-Ipoh electrified double-tracking rail project.

Group chairman Tan Sri Mohd Saleh Sulong said he was taken aback by the Government's statement that DRB-HICOM was being removed from the project, but the company itself was prepared to let the contract go.

The news caused a sharp fall in DRB-HICOM shares yesterday.

Saleh said the Government still owes DRB-HICOM a substantial¡¨ amount, on top of an estimated RM700 million in variation orders.

He did not specify the amount.

He said the group had been in talks with the Government some six months ago to hand over the remaining project and on the payments issue.

If I am the employer and you are the employee, I didn't pay your salary, will you stay?¡¨ he asked.

We were somewhat taken aback by the Government's statement, as we have offered to hand back the project on account of payments, so it was mutually agreed upon, Saleh told reporters in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, yesterday after the launch of the Suzuki Swift car.

The Transport Ministry had in a statement over the weekend said DRB-HICOM Bhd will be replaced as the main contractor for the project.

The 179km Rawang-Ipoh track forms part of the national railway Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's RM14-billion project to lay parallel lines from Padang Besar to Johor Baru.

Two parcels of the project, to lay double tracks from Ipoh to Padang Besar and from Seremban to Johor Baru, had been shelved in December 2003 as part of the Government's effort to reduce its budget deficit.

Saleh said the Rawang-Ipoh rail project, which was awarded to the group in 2000, was 88 per cent completed as at end-April. He also said there was no cost overrun in the project.

DRB-HICOM was behind schedule to complete the project as it was first given until the end of 2002 to complete the stretch.

Saleh said the delay was mainly due to variation orders and late payments.

It's variation orders, not cost overruns. These are works done outside the scope of works we agreed upon, and we have a stack of those orders, Saleh said.

The group is now negotiating with the Government to claim the unpaid amount and has engaged independent claims consultant to verify the works it has done.

The impact (of the terminated contract) on our earnings is not that great, we only don¡¦t make profits on the 12 per cent works that are not done yet,he said.

Shares of DRB-HICOM fell 13.1 per cent yesterday amid the news, to close at their lowest since October 2002. The stock closed at RM1.54 with 1.82 million shares done, or more than three times the volume traded last Friday.

An analyst at a foreign research house estimates that the contract termination will knock some 8 to 15 per cent off his forecast earnings on DRB-Hicom for this year and next.

The broker had earlier forecast a RM224 million net profit for the group in financial year 2005 and RM263 million for 2006.

nazrey

August 20th, 2005, 08:28 PM

Behrang Station

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_4_l.jpg

Ipoh Station

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_8_l.jpg

nazrey

August 22nd, 2005, 09:08 PM

Award to MMC-Gamuda may be ternimated :
Updated : 04-07-2005
Media : Malay Mail
Story By : Francis Fernandez

THE Government may terminate the letter of award for a RM14.5 billion high-speed railway contract awarded to the MMC Corp Bhd-Gamuda Bhd consortium, it was revealed yesterday.

The consortium was given a letter of award on Oct 21, 2003, to lay and electrify 636km track, linking Johor to Padang Besar, but subsequently the Government had in January 2004, postponed the project to meet other pressing financial needs.

Although the project was postponed, the letter of award remained valid, meaning if it was revived, the MMC-Gamuda team will have the first crack at the project.

It is further believed if the letter of award is terminated, it would most likely be in the form of a mutual termination, as in the case of DRB Hicom Bhd's exit from the Ipoh-to-Rawang double tracking project.

Mail Money was told that the rationale to terminate the project was because it will enable the authorities to tender out smaller portions of the project in stages.

This way, it won't be a financial burden for the Government to proceed with the project, and at the same time, it will help more companies to take part in the project.

A MMC spokesman said there hasn't been any official notification on the matter.

There is nothing official yet. We can't say yes or no. It is for the Government to announce, a Gamuda official told Mail Money.

Gamuda and MMC are equal partners in the consortium, which had also intended to take over the management of the Government-owned KTM Bhd, the national railway company as part of an agreement to undertake the high-speed railway project.

nazrey

August 22nd, 2005, 09:14 PM

UEM Builders takes over double-tracking project :
Updated : 02-06-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : ZURAIMI ABDULLAH

UEM Builders Bhd yesterday said it had taken over the remaining civil work on the RM2.6 billion Rawang-Ipoh electrified doubletracking rail project.

This ends months of talk that it would replace DRB-HICOM Bhd as the lead civil contractor for the remainder of the project.

The UEM group is already a sub-contractor for the bridges along the tracks.

UEM Builders said its wholly-owned, UEM Construction Sdn Bhd, was told by the Ministry of Transport yesterday to take over and lead the project for an interim period starting immediately.

¡§UEM Construction has been further informed that the scope of the work to be carried out and the detailed terms of the takeover, including the value of the contract for the interim period, will be discussed with UEM Construction soon,¡¨ UEM Builders said in a statement to Bursa Malaysia Bhd.

DRB-HICOM began work on the project in mid-2000, and was at first given until the end of 2002 to complete the stretch. The deadline was later extended to December 2004. It is believed the Government now wants the project to be done by 2007.

DRB-HICOM, in which Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary owns a 15.8 per cent stake, was reported to have completed about 88 per cent of the 179-km stretch.

Japan's Mitsui-MTS Consortium is responsible for systems and electrification components.

Last year, speculation was rife that the UEM group one of the five sub-contractors for the project would be appointed to take over.

The Rawang-Ipoh track forms part of the national railway firm Keretapi Ta-

nah Melayu Bhd¡'s (KTMB) RM14 billion project to lay parallel lines from Padang Besar to Johor Baru.

Two parcels of the project to lay double tracks from Ipoh to Padang Besar and from Seremban to Johor Bahru were shelved in December 2003 as the Government seeks to reduce budget deficit.

nazrey

August 22nd, 2005, 09:22 PM

KTM's Batu Gajah Workshop/Training Centre: Plan approval soon :
Updated : 05-07-2005
Media : Malay Mail
Story By : FRANCIS FERNANDEZ

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

September 2nd, 2005, 05:40 AM

Malaysian Govt in arbitration with DRB-HICOM on claim
Updated : 02-09-2005
Media : Business Times

THE Government is now in arbitration with DRB-HICOM Bhd on the car and banking group's RM700 million claim on the Ipoh-Rawang double-tracking rail project.

The Government had appointed one of the three arbitrators proposed by DRB-HICOM last month. So far, DRB-HICOM has submitted the neccessary documentation substantiating variation orders made by the Transport Ministry to the arbitrator, a source said.

The Government and DRB-HICOM had decided to go into arbitration to resolve the matter as they could not reach a consensus on their own.

DRB-HICOM group chairman Tan Sri Mohd Saleh Sulong, in earlier reports, said the Government owed DRB-HICOM a substantial amount, on top of an estimated RM700 million in variation orders.

Controlled now by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, DRB-HICOM began work on the RM2.6 billion rail project in mid-2000 and was at first given until the end of 2002 to complete the stretch. The deadline was later extended to December 2004.

DRB-HICOM was reported to have completed about 88 per cent of the 179km stretch.

The Government has since appointed UEM Builders Bhd, one of the initial sub-contractors of the project, to complete the unfinished portion of the project by 2007.

nazrey

September 15th, 2005, 11:28 PM

Ipoh-Rawang Rail Project To Be Completed By 2008
Updated : 15-09-2005
Media : Bernama

IPOH, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the government would ensure the double-tracking electrification railway project from Ipoh to Rawang, is completed by 2008 under its new schedule.

He said the project would be closely monitored and supervised to ensure that it is fully completed as scheduled, given that the main mode of transportation for containers to the nation's ports is through the railway.

Among those affected by the delay in the project was the Ipoh Cargo Terminal (ICT)'s inland port, Chan said this at the launching of ICT's new logo last night.

The RM2.6 billion project, was taken over by UEM World Bhd from DRB-Hicom last August after 88.14 per cent of works were completed.

The 180 km project is part of the Ipoh-Padang Besar and Seremban-Johor Baharu double tracking railway projects.

He said ICT, which began operational in 1989, was poised to be the region's logistic hub for the double-tracking electric rail project from Ipoh to Padang Besar and the railway communication system to Kunming, China.

It could also provide consultancy or embark on joint ventures in the development of inland ports in Indo-China.

Meanwhile, ICT Chairman Datuk Muhd Safaruddin said 55 per cent of containers handled by the terminal, had been using railway services and the rest by road.

ICT aims to increase the usage of railway services to 70 per cent and 30 per cent by road, he said, adding that it expected to achieve the target upon completion of the Ipoh-Rawang railway project.

Subangite

October 8th, 2005, 07:08 AM

Question, will there be a high speed train connection from KUL to Ipoh? Or will it still be apart of KTM's Intercity scheduled services?

bobdikl

October 10th, 2005, 02:11 AM

Question, will there be a high speed train connection from KUL to Ipoh? Or will it still be apart of KTM's Intercity scheduled services?

just an outdated ordinary train la...and finally they added a extra track or fully rebuilt the victorian track and then electrified the rail.

The non electrified intercity rail service in Malaysia is still very third world victorian. :sleepy:

Better than nothing in a car culture malaysia.

Subangite

October 10th, 2005, 06:42 AM

just an outdated ordinary train la...and finally they added a extra track or fully rebuilt the victorian track and then electrified the rail.

The non electrified intercity rail service in Malaysia is still very third world victorian. :sleepy:

Better than nothing in a car culture malaysia.

Right thanks for clearing this. I remembered last time, that there was talk of introducing a high speed service, such as the italian Pendolino trains. I guess this was just talk.

mrtfreak

October 10th, 2005, 10:14 AM

I heard that there will be a higher speed rail service between Ipoh and KL Sentral stations. If I am not wrong, this is a confirmed service I read somewhere. I'm not sure if they will be using the old KTM coaches or not, but the section will see a higher frequency of trains.

tomkat

October 11th, 2005, 08:55 AM

There would be a high speed rapid train service between KL Sentral and Ipoh. But of course the speed would not be as high as those in Europe and Japan. The track is design for max 160 kph anyway.

The current Rawang-Seremban komuter line would be extended right up to Tanjung Malim. I expect this service or section to be up and running first.

And there will be a separate komuter line to serve Ipoh - Tanjung Malim (the northern corridor).

globocentric

October 17th, 2005, 08:47 PM

Subangite

October 18th, 2005, 07:49 AM

Why do they have to electrify the tracks when diesel trains can reach 160 km/h anyway i think that is the limit for diesel trains. Countries only electrify tracks when they intent to run trains at more than 200 km/h. I think the cost of the electrification might be more than the cost of laying the extra tracks as well

Exactly what I was thinking. Perhaps running costs of an electric set is cheaper. I don't know this, I'm merely speculating.

yung85

October 18th, 2005, 01:11 PM

i think due to future plans that they might want to upgrade it therefore spreading the cost?

bobdikl

October 20th, 2005, 02:37 AM

i think due to future plans that they might want to upgrade it therefore spreading the cost?

But the track is design for only max 160 kph, after the buffer gap the train could only speed at around 120kph..am I right?

nazrey

November 5th, 2005, 07:35 PM

Slim River Station :

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

Tanjung Malim Station :

http://www.ijm.com/images/current_major_rawang_3_l.jpg

nazrey

December 1st, 2005, 02:04 PM

Batu Gajah Station

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

yung85

December 1st, 2005, 05:44 PM

Why do they have to electrify the tracks when diesel trains can reach 160 km/h anyway i think that is the limit for diesel trains. Countries only electrify tracks when they intent to run trains at more than 200 km/h. I think the cost of the electrification might be more than the cost of laying the extra tracks as well

well some uk tracks are electrified and the max speed is 160km/hr which r the new virgin trains.... so i guess u might be wrong.... electrified trains r cleaner too so i guess its better for the environment

nazrey

January 1st, 2006, 02:34 AM

Serendah Freight :

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

Serendah station

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2001/stesenserendah2te.jpg

aen

January 5th, 2006, 04:40 PM

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.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

January 21st, 2006, 10:17 PM

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4545/45237qn.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6496/4525323cx.jpg

nazrey

January 24th, 2006, 12:42 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 24th, 2006, 12:44 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

dengilo

January 24th, 2006, 03:09 PM

no wonder the project cost so much! just look at stations ah ya sakit hati really,all the stations in the klang valley look like its falling apart!what is thislah KTM?do u know how long it takes to travel from seremban to kl?yet alone from ipoh to kl?they never learn do they!

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 04:45 PM

Ipoh station
Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017208i.jpg

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

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

nazrey

March 4th, 2006, 10:30 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

Old Batu Gajah station
by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/427/P1017235i.jpg

travellator

March 29th, 2006, 04:55 PM

Government To Revive Double Tracking Project ?
March 29, 2006 20:52 PM
By Alan Ting

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- The government is expected to revive the multi-billion ringgit double-tracking project for the northern sector in the next few years after it has been deferred in 2003.

The revival of the project has been accepted by the government and was given priority for implementation.

"It has been approved and expected to be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon," a transport industry source told Bernama, Wednesday.

He said the project was part of the master plan to develop the northern region to be the regional hub for the halal food processing centre and there was a need for an efficient rail link for the transportation of products.

"The other consideration for the revival of the project is that the existing double tracking project between Rawang and Ipoh is near completion. Therefore, it is only logical that we extend it," he said, adding the existing single track has limited capacity.

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

"The existing single track has to be shared along with the passenger's train as well as cargo train movements. The frequencies cannot be increased unless you have double track," he said.

In April last year, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the ministry has forwarded a proposal to revive the double tracking project -- mainly covering the northern portion and not the whole double tracking project as proposed earlier.

He was quoted as saying on April 25 last year that a major portion of the budget allocation for transportation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan would go towards the development of the 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 Baharu.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good news, i still feel that jb needs electric double tracking mayb from kluang to jb first, guess commuter traffic is less profitable than goods traffic

White_soX

March 30th, 2006, 12:11 AM

Wah........very nice, lots of improvement, hope they can maintain Malaysian architecture-indeed very nice looking!

Subangite

March 30th, 2006, 08:28 AM

I remembered there was talk on the news about KTM and the Malaysian government getting the Pendolino trains but so far the press has been silent. I have a feeling this is what they're going to use for the double tracking project to Ipoh.

I did some digging online I found these interesting articles! This one is from the Fiat company monthly newsletter.

http://www.madeinfiat.com/marapr98/briefa.htm

A concept based on the way a motorcyclist combats centrifugal forces by leaning into a bend is behind a recent revolution in rail travel. Fiat Ferroviaria, whose commercial success in the rail industry started with the introduction of its first diesel engines for trains back in the 1930's, has developed the idea of a tilting train so that passengers can travel in greater comfort at higher speeds.

http://www.madeinfiat.com/marapr98/images/pic6.gif

The idea, which originated at the end of the 1960's has been thoroughly tested in Italy, a country whose mountainous geography means roads and railway tracks often have to follow rather tortuous routes. The first prototype of the train, the Y0160 built in 1967, quickly earned the nickname 'Pendolino' which has stuck ever since. The Italian State Railways started running the ETR 450 version of the tilting train in 1988 and soon had 15 in service. Now Swiss, Finnish, Spanish, Portuguese and Czech passengers can enjoy the smooth, fast ride on trains whose maximum angle of lean is just 8 degrees, but which can achieve speeds 30 - 35% higher than conventional rolling stock. The German rail company Deutsche Bundesbahn bought 20 VT610 tilting diesel trains some years ago and has recently ordered 83 trains in a new electric version, known as the ICT. Malaysia has also placed an order for seven trains with an option on a further 15.

Today's ETR 460 and its smaller counterparts the S220 and ETR 470 (bought by Italian, Finnish and Swiss rail companies respectively) are third generation trains. Just like aircraft cabins, the carriages are pressurised to eliminate the irritating changes in pressure which occurs when two trains pass each other or when a train goes through a tunnel.

The Pendolino's top, straight-line speed is 250 km/h. Whilst this is not as high as the 300km/h or so reached by the French TGV and the Italian ETR 500, for which Fiat Ferroviaria designed and built the carriages, it is still far faster than traditional trains. The Pendolino also has the advantage of being able to run on standard tracks.

Journey times have been dramatically reduced by the Pendolino because of its high straight-line speed and faster travel around bends, and whilst high speed trains may be viable on some busy routes, the level of investment required in track makes them impractical for most. Better by far to invest in the constantly evolving technology involved in tilting trains. Future research projects will look into developments which will further improve weight reduction and increase speed. Today's Pendolino already makes use of a load bearing body made of aluminium based alloys from the aeronautical industry which keeps the train's weight right down. Reducing the weight even further will mean less wear and tear on the rails, too. A "Superpendolino" is on the drawing board at the moment, promising speeds of 300 km/h on high speed sections of track.

Subangite

March 30th, 2006, 08:31 AM

http://www.madeinfiat.com/novdec96/newsj.htm

Fiat Ferroviaria is poised to establish itself in Malaysia after winning an international tender to supply seven tilting trains for use on the 174 km line from Ipoh to Rawang. The Malaysian ''Pendolino'' will be operational in 1999 and will significantly reduce the journey time between the two cities from three hours and ten minutes currently to under two hours.

The contract with Malaysian Railways (KTMB) to supply the trains, which will each comprise six carriages, is worth approximately US$117 million (300 million Malaysian Ringgit) and gives the Malaysians the option to purchase a further fifteen Pendolino trains.

Fiat Ferrovaria, in association with other firms led by Diversified Resources Berhad, one of the most important privately-owned Malaysian industrial groups, fought off competition from Japan to enter this very high potential market. This is the first contract for the adoption of tilting trains anywhere in Asia outside Japan.

Subangite

March 30th, 2006, 08:37 AM

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1215/is_n12_v197/ai_19007745

FIAT FERROVIARIA of Italy edged out Japanese competition to win a $120.3 million contract to supply seven Pendolino (tilting) trains to the Malaysian railway company, KTMB. The contract, announced Nov. 13, carries an option for an additional 15 six-car trains. Fiat called the contract "the first in its class throughout Asia." The high speed tilting trains will go into service in 1999, cutting travel time on the 108-mile Ipoh-Rwang line from three hours and ten minutes to less than two hours.

patchay

April 1st, 2006, 05:32 AM

i think the double-tracking is goin to continue at some busy stretches under the 9MP!! :)

kadiology

April 2nd, 2006, 05:01 AM

i think the double-tracking is goin to continue at some busy stretches under the 9MP!! :)

i check everywhere and there is not a single thing mention about double rail tracking project in the 9MP. this is so sad. :cry:

nazrey

May 6th, 2006, 07:30 AM

DRB-Hicom secures RM400m VO settlement
By Thomas Soon
12-04-2006
THEEDGEDAILY (http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_8e07a758-cb73c03a-1681ea00-bb55db70)

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_8e4b0570-cb73c03a-1681ea00-91caa6b6/1/DRB_inside.jpg

DRB-Hicom Bhd is believed to have secured a RM400 million settlement from the government for variation order (VO) claims in relation to additional works done on the Rawang-Ipoh portion of the electrified double-tracking rail project, sources said.

Sources said the sum was within market expectation of between RM350 million and RM450 million in settlement. Early reports had mentioned claims of between RM300 million and RM700 million.

“The entire sum (of RM400 million) will go towards the bottom line in extraordinary gains as the company had already factored in the cost overruns as expenses into its books and correspondingly no income was recognised,” a source told FinancialDaily .

It is learnt that the settlement came about after DRB-Hicom and the government had agreed to appoint an arbitrator to resolve the dispute on the VO claims.

DRB-Hicom was the main contractor of the RM2.58 billion project until May last year when it mutually terminated the contract with the government on grounds of the huge debt owing. Last June, UEM Builders Bhd was appointed to take over and lead the project for an interim period.

The government later paid up the debts for work completed under the original contract, but not for the VO. DRB-Hicom claimed that it had completed 88% of the civil works under the project.

An analyst said the settlement would improve the company's cash flow, which would now be put to good use for its other business, including automotive assembly and distribution activities.

“It is good news for DRB-Hicom and the company can put the overdue issue of cost overruns and rail project behind it and move forward,” the analyst said, adding that the latest development could also spell the end of the group’s business in the construction business, in which it acted mostly as project managers.

“There are not many big projects in the pipeline, and the company would do well to focus on its automotive business as the way ahead,” she said.

For the nine months to Dec 31, 2005, its cost of sales and operating expenses were RM2.77 billion against revenue of RM2.81 billion. It went into the red with a net loss of RM88.63 million compared with a net profit of RM147.5 million a year earlier mainly due to impairment loss and write-off of preliminary expenses.

It has been reported that DRB-Hicom is in the midst of undertaking a massive voluntary separation scheme to save on operations cost and to focus on its core business in the automotive sector.

The company is largely expected to benefit from the structural change in the country’s automotive industry whereby the approved permit (AP) system will be gradually phased out, which means that DRB-Hicom will not have to go through a third party to import vehicles.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that the Employees Provident Fund has been accumulating DRB-Hicom shares, with the most recent acquisition totalling 1.4 million shares from March 27 to 30, boosting its stake to 16.5%.

It reported that EPF had bought a total of 7.3% of DRB-Hicom since Dec 29 last year.

fairul

May 28th, 2006, 03:24 AM

my bro took this from Tg. Malim

now you see the old station,

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/8f40373d.jpg

now you see the new one :D

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/7f12d510.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/6c0cea33.jpg

nazrey

May 31st, 2006, 07:46 AM

DRB-Hicom gets RM425m VO settlement
29-05-2006
THEEDGEDAILY

DRB-Hicom Bhd has secured a full and final settlement of RM425 million from the government upon the resolution of the issue of payment of variation order (VO) and loss and expense claims in relation to additional works at the Rawang-Ipoh electrified double tracking rail project.

This confirms the FinancialDaily report recently that the company had secured a RM400 million settlement from the government for the VO. It was reported that the sum was within market expectation of between RM350 million and RM450 million.

"Subsequent to this, DRB-Hicom is in further discussion with the government in regards to related issues pertaining to liquidated ascertained damages and release of performance bond.

"DRB-HICOM is hopeful and positive that this matter will also be amicably resolved in due course," DRB-Hicom said in a statement on may 29.

DRB-Hicom was the main contractor of the RM2.58 billion project until May last year when it mutually terminated the contract with the government. Last June, UEM Builders Bhd was appointed to take over and lead the project.

fairul

June 5th, 2006, 11:52 AM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/Stitched_002.jpg

kadiology

June 6th, 2006, 07:19 PM

im so confused with the status of the project. last i heard it was scraped. then i heard it continues from rawang to somewhere in perak. (tanjung malim?). here i see pictures as if the construction had some progress. whats happening actually? can someone enlightent me pls? are they completing the project or what?

mrtfreak

June 7th, 2006, 06:27 AM

^ Rawang - Ipoh double tracking has been going on for some time already. Its obvious that the infrastructure is nearly there to run the commuter services to Tanjong Malim (last stop in Selangor) and there after have a higher frequency of express trains to Ipoh from KL Sentral.

What was scrapped is the entire double tracking of the West Coast line from Padang Besar to Johor Bahru. Double tracking proceeds for Rawang - Ipoh and soon for Sentul - Batu Caves.

nazrey

March 16th, 2007, 09:41 AM

Mid-year date for rail project
Tuesday February 27, 2007
TheStar (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/2/27/nation/16985059&sec=nation)

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/2/27/nation/n_pg19pala.jpg

Festive greeting: (from left) Hulu Selangor MP Datuk G. Palanivel, MCA
vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat, Chan, Hulu Selangor MCA division chief Datuk
Ch'ng Toh Eng, Hulu Selangor division Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Mohd Idris
Abu Bakar and Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib
wishing guests a prosperous new year during the open house in Kuala Kubu
Baru.

KUALA KUBU BARU: The Rawang-Batang Kali stretch of the double-track rail project is expected to be operational before July.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the stretch would ease the traffic movement between the two areas.

The Government would overcome problems, such as land acquisition, he told reporters at a Chinese New Year Open House organised by the Hulu Selangor MCA division here yesterday.

The stretch is part of the 179km Rawang-Ipoh track, which forms a section of the project by national railway firm, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), to lay parallel lines from Padang Besar to Johor Baru.

Chan said the Rawang-Ipoh track, designed for high-speed trains, is also expected to be completed by the end of the year

Upon its completion, KTMB plans to extend the KTM Komuter service to Tanjung Malim and introduce a rapid inter-city train service from KL Sentral to Ipoh.

nazrey

March 16th, 2007, 09:44 AM

Get ready!
Route Map: Rawang - Ipoh EDT Project

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

travellator

March 16th, 2007, 12:22 PM

Malaysia revives part of mega rail project
Fri Mar 16, 2007 4:55 AM ET

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Reuters) - Malaysia's government has approved in principle the revival of part of a multi-billion dollar rail link, one of its biggest ever state projects, a spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Friday.

Malaysia's transport and finance ministries are still in talks with the project managers, MMC Corp <MMCB.KL> and Gamuda Bhd <GAMU.KL>, and the government wants the negotiations to speed up, the spokesman said.

"Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak wants negotiations to be expedited so that the project can move on," he told Reuters.

He was referring to a rail project in the country's north that had been postponed in late 2003 by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who said at the time that the money would be better spent on healthcare, education and agriculture.

"I hope we can start the project soon after the negotiation is concluded," Najib was quoted by state news agency Bernama as telling reporters in the administrative capital of Putrajaya on Friday.

He said the cost of the project had not yet been finalised.

Najib chairs a Cabinet Committee on Public Transport that aims to cut red tape in getting government projects off the ground.

Neither Gamuda's managing director Lin Yun Ling nor MMC's chief executive Feizal Ali returned call seeking comment.

In 2006, Gamuda and MMC revived plans to build part of the track -- 330-km (200 miles) of line between the northern town of Ipoh and the Thai border -- under a private finance initiative, where the companies would fund the bulk of the project.

MMC and Gamuda had proposed to spend up to 9 billion ringgit ($2.57 billion) to build the northern portion of the rail line, a source familiar with the plan told Reuters in November.

The Ipoh-to-Thai border railway line was part of a grander scheme for a double-track line running the length of the Malaysian peninsula, linking its major ports with Thailand and Singapore, that had been valued at as much as 14.5 billion ringgit.

Gamuda shares were up 3.7 percent at 6.95 ringgit by 0808 GMT. MMC shares are down 0.9 percent at 5.75 ringgit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© Reuters 2007.

forrestcat

March 16th, 2007, 01:09 PM

March 16, 2007 16:24 PM

Ipoh-Padang Besar Double-track Project To Continue

PUTRAJAYA, March 16 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet Committee on Public Transport Friday decided to start immediately negotiations to finalise the double track electrification project from Ipoh to Padang Besar at the border with Thailand.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government had decided to proceed with the project as the Rawang-Ipoh route had been completed.

He said the cost of the project would be determined after the Transport and Finance ministries concluded their negotiations on the price.

"As the Rawang and Ipoh route has been completed, the government can optimise the project if the track is extended to Padang Besar. I hope we can start the project soon after the negotiation is concluded," he told reporters after chairing the meeting here.

The 330km double tracking project north of Ipoh to Padang Besar was awarded to MMC Corp. (MMC) and Gamuda Bhd consortium three years ago but it was postponed in 2003 to curtail government spending on mega projects.

Gamuda and MMC are expected to spend about RM9 billion on the project.

On the construction of the southern section of the double track to Singapore, Najib said the government had given a letter of intent to India to take part in the project.

He said the Indian government would appoint a qualified contractor to carry out the project.

-- BERNAMA

This is great news!!!!!:banana:

travellator

March 16th, 2007, 01:09 PM

more updates on Ipoh-Thaiborder & Seremban-JB singapore

Ipoh-Padang Besar Double-track Project To Continue

March 16, 2007 16:24 PM
PUTRAJAYA, March 16 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet Committee on Public Transport Friday decided to start immediately negotiations to finalise the double track electrification project from Ipoh to Padang Besar at the border with Thailand.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government had decided to proceed with the project as the Rawang-Ipoh route had been completed.

He said the cost of the project would be determined after the Transport and Finance ministries concluded their negotiations on the price.

"As the Rawang and Ipoh route has been completed, the government can optimise the project if the track is extended to Padang Besar. I hope we can start the project soon after the negotiation is concluded," he told reporters after chairing the meeting here.

The 330km double tracking project north of Ipoh to Padang Besar was awarded to MMC Corp. (MMC) and Gamuda Bhd consortium three years ago but it was postponed in 2003 to curtail government spending on mega projects.

Gamuda and MMC are expected to spend about RM9 billion on the project.

On the construction of the southern section of the double track to Singapore, Najib said the government had given a letter of intent to India to take part in the project.

He said the Indian government would appoint a qualified contractor to carry out the project.

oops double post u r quick forrestcat

haze

March 16th, 2007, 02:02 PM

Gamuda higher on resumption of double tracking project

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Shares of Gamuda Bhd and its warrants closed higher on March 16 after the government decided to revive the propsoed extension of the Ipoh to Padang Besar double track electrification project.

Gamuda Call Warrants A jumped 37 sen or 14.62 % to RM2.90, Gamuda Call Warrants B 30 sen or 20% to RM1.80 while Gamuda warrants ended 26 sen higher or 8.84% to RM3.20. Gamuda gained 15 sen to RM6.85.

The 330km double tracking project north of Ipoh to Padang Besar was awarded to MMC Corp Bhd (MMC) and the Gamuda consortium three years ago but it was postponed in 2003 to curtail government spending on mega projects.

MMC Corp closed five sen higher to RM5.85.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport on March 16 decided to start immediately negotiations to finalise the double track electrification project from Ipoh to Padang Besar.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government had decided to proceed with the project as the Rawang-Ipoh route had been completed.

He said the cost of the project would be determined after the Transport and Finance ministries concluded their negotiations on the price.

"As the Rawang and Ipoh route has been completed, the government can optimise the project if the track is extended to Padang Besar. I hope we can start the project soon after the negotiation is concluded," he told reporters.

Gamuda and MMC are expected to spend about RM9 billion on the project.

On the construction of the southern section of the double track to Singapore, Najib said the government had given a letter of intent to India to take part in the project.

He said the Indian government would appoint a qualified contractor to carry out the project.

TYW

March 17th, 2007, 10:00 AM

great news!! i thought it will not be revived anytime soon

skyscraperboy

March 17th, 2007, 10:07 AM

Anyone has the railways map???

Nissan_FUGA

March 17th, 2007, 10:18 AM

I wonder what train they would use in the soon to be completed Rawang-Ipoh line........in the past there were rumour that they may use Pendolino..i wonder if they still plan to use Pendolino or not?

Wisarut

March 17th, 2007, 01:47 PM

Bung Nazrey,

This Ipoh - Padang Besar Doubel tracking should ALARM both SRT as well as RTA (Royal Tahi Army) the government to negotiate with JBIC and JTEPPA (Japanese - Thai Free Trade Agreement Committee) for the loan and the invesmeent form Japanese firms to make such a massive double tracking from Nakhon Pathom to Padang Besar (about 925 km) .... :eek2:

Even without electrification, the cost for such massive double tracking alone would be around 70 Billion Baht (about 7 billion Ringgit). The rrehabilitation from Thung SOng to Padang besar (about 200 km) would alos cost the government another 10 billion Bahrt (about 1 billion Ringgit).

This double trackign and rehabilitation would allow max speed of 120 kph for DMU and 100 kph max for cargo trains though.

forrestcat

March 18th, 2007, 09:18 AM

LOI to India for one stretch only

KUALA LUMPUR: The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has clarified that the letter of intent (LOI) given to the Indian government for construction of the south-bound dual railway track project would involve only the stretch between Seremban and Gemas.

The project was not for the whole Seremban-Johor Baru stretch as reported yesterday, a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office said yesterday.

On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia would hand over the LOI to India to participate in the construction of the south-bound dual railway track.

Najib had disclosed this in Putrajaya after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee On Public Transport. – Bernama

From The Star News

OshHisham

March 19th, 2007, 05:00 AM

^^ how about China? i thought we have an agreement with India and China?

OshHisham

March 19th, 2007, 05:03 AM

Anyone has the railways map???

the map is same with current track lah...only 'double track':lol:

skyscraperboy

March 19th, 2007, 03:05 PM

Ohh! Thanks, oshkoshbgood.

nazrey

May 13th, 2007, 04:11 PM

Rasa station
by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/102_4130i.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/102_4128i.jpg

nazrey

May 13th, 2007, 04:13 PM

kampar_new_south
by keretapi_awan of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/kampar_new_south01.JPG

Serendah Yard
by Jason of ktmrailwayfan.com

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

nazrey

September 9th, 2007, 04:34 AM

Better transport system needed to boost tourism
Saturday September 8, 2007
TheStar

IPOH needs a proper public transportation system to better serve tourists, Datuk Bandar Da-tuk Mohamad Rafiai Moktar said.

“I have approached the operators about improving their vehicles but they said they find it hard to do so as their business is losing money,” said Mohamad Rafiai at the launching of the Perak Chapter Matta Fair 2007 in Ipoh yesterday.

He noted that the double-tracking railway project between Rawang and Ipoh would be operational by early next year.

“We do not even have a proper public transportation system to transfer tourists from the railway station to hotels and bus stations,” he added.

Mohamad Rafiai revealed that a private transport company had come up with a proposal to revamp the city’s public transportation system.

However, it would still need to discuss with the local public transportation operators before submitting the proposal.

On another matter, Mohamad Rafiai said efforts were being taken to develop the city’s tourism industry.

“We have been promoting the city through the Tourism Promotional Organisation for Asian-Pacific Cities in China,” he said, adding that they were encouraging students to visit Ipoh and Perak.

Mohamad Rafiai also said the private sector was helping out the tourism industry by buil-ding and providing tourists with facilities and infrastructures.

“A five-star hotel with a ban-quet hall that can accommodate about 2,000 people is being constructed,” he said.

Other efforts included ensuring the cleanliness of the city and upgrading other facilities and infrastructures for tourists, said Mohamad Rafiai.

allurban

September 10th, 2007, 09:37 AM

Better transport system needed to boost tourism
Mohamad Rafiai revealed that a private transport company had come up with a proposal to revamp the city’s public transportation system.

However, it would still need to discuss with the local public transportation operators before submitting the proposal. interesting stuff

cheers, m

TWK90

September 10th, 2007, 09:39 AM

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news_view/article/2007/06/7362/malaysia-plans-five-years-of-rail-growth.html

Interesting article on KTMB future plans ....

YeahWho

September 11th, 2007, 08:24 PM

I really hope to see one day that we have a high speed train (at least the speed of ERL) from Perlis and Kota Bharu to Singapore so that we don't have to rely too much on the bus and airplanes and also can stimulate the economy of the less developed region. Broad gage could be used. Look at Taiwan, it is just a small island and it already has its own high-speed train.

TWK90

September 12th, 2007, 06:48 AM

^^

If HSR going to be built here, it would have to be a dedicated track to ensure optimal service speed....

For KTM, the double tracking should be able to increase the efficiency of train services and the maximum track design speed of 160 km/h is already faster than JR narrow gauge train speed (130 km/h if i am not mistaken...)

nazrey

October 19th, 2007, 11:01 PM

nazrey

October 21st, 2007, 07:50 PM

by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

Tapah Road station

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/Image00025.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/Image00023.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/Image00027.jpg

nazrey

November 5th, 2007, 09:08 PM

Slim River Station

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/Image00008.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/67/Image00039.jpg

nazrey

November 5th, 2007, 09:11 PM

Costs a concern in double-tracking project
Monday November 5, 2007
By FINTAN NG
TheStar

SOMETIME towards the end of the year or early next year, the multibillion-ringgit 329km double-tracking project running between Ipoh and Padang Besar will commence construction under a joint venture between MMC Corp Bhd and Gamuda Bhd. The project is scheduled for completion in five years.

Whenever mega-projects such as these are announced, cost is foremost in mind because it is tied to whether the project is feasible or commercially viable.

And since the revivification of the project was announced, a number of publications have come up with the merits and demerits of the project, recalling who was awarded what, at what price and what subsequently happened.

Let's not forget that the double-tracking line between Ipoh and Rawang, which was awarded to DRB-HICOM in 2000 at a cost of RM2.6bil and targeted for completion by 2003, had incurred cost overruns to the tune of RM700mil.

Let's not forget that the double-tracking line between Ipoh and Rawang, which was awarded to DRB-HICOM in 2000 at a cost of RM2.6bil and targeted for completion by 2003, had incurred cost overruns to the tune of RM700mil.

The problem-plagued project was finally taken over by UEM Builders Bhd two years ago and was recently completed. The line would start operating by early 2008.

To recap, MMC and Gamuda were jointly awarded the contract worth RM14.45bil in 2003 to construct two sections of the double-tracking system – Parcel A or the northern section running from Ipoh to Padang Besar, and Parcel B or the southern section running from Seremban to Johor Baru. The estimated cost for Parcel A then was RM9bil.

The two construction and infrastructure conglomerates had been awarded the project on the basis of their lowering the project costs from an estimated RM44bil, which was the cost put forward by two different consortia with Chinese and Indian companies participating.

It was shelved in December 2003, just months after Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became the Prime Minister, in an effort to reduce the country's deficit.

In March this year, the Abdullah administration revived the project and started negotiations soon after with MMC and Gamuda for the northern section while the southern section, running from Seremban to Gemas, has been awarded to Indian Railway Construction Co (Ircon), the construction arm of Indian Railways, and a local company. Ircon was a participant in one of the consortia then.

While nothing has been finalised, the figure of RM12.45bil has been bandied around as the cost for the current project, which would only run from Ipoh to Padang Besar, as opposed to the previous award package, which included the southern section.

Between 2003 and now, the costs of construction materials have gone up. So it is no surprise that business publications began to speculate about the costs involved.

One publication even listed the estimated amount of materials to be used – 4.2 million tonnes of aggregate, 1.2 million tonnes of cement, 300,000 tonnes of steel and 5,000 units of plant, heavy machinery and vehicles.

According to Master Builders Association of Malaysia president Patrick Wong, it is not the price of construction materials that is the worry but the price of diesel, assuming that MMC and Gamuda utilised the existing railway line to transport the construction materials to their destinations. Transportation costs would make up more than half the cost of the construction materials, he said.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/11/5/business/b_16model.jpg

A model of the Ipoh Railway Station. The double-tracking project between
Ipoh and Padang Besar will commence construction soon and is scheduled
for completion in five years. Picture courtesy of Veritas Architects

Wong told StarBiz that the bulk of the costs would come from fuel consumption due to transportation and blasting in the sand quarries.

“That's the main costs and they usually account for more than half of the raw material costs,” Wong said, adding that diesel fuel price might go up even more, depending on crude oil price and the possible cut in the subsidy for fuel. Crude oil has been trading above US$90 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange for the better part of two weeks now.

He said that between 2003 and now, steel bars had more than doubled in price. They are now priced RM2,400 to RM2,500 per tonne in the “grey market” while the Government, last April, raised the official ceiling price of steel bars between RM1,837 and RM2,010 per tonne, an increase of 20%.

Wong said cement prices had gone up between 20% and 25% in the same period.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/11/5/business/b_17train.jpg

A KTM Komuter train running on a double track in Kepong. While the final
figure for the double-tracking railway project between Ipoh and Padang
Besar is still being finalised by the Government, some believe the will cost
RM12bil

An insider knowledgeable about the project said that as far as he knew, various factors such as the increase in construction material prices and the increase in the fuel price had already been factored into the total cost.

“Of course, it all depends on the scope of work, and the costing has to take into account that the northern section is longer and goes through some difficult terrain,” he added.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/11/5/business/p17-railnetworkch.JPG

Another said that the project cost was the final hurdle. “We've spent a lot of time in meetings with the Economic Planning Unit and the Ministry of Transport on it,” he said.

“It'll be around the figure of RM12bil but we don't know what the final figure is till the Government approves it.”

allurban

November 6th, 2007, 08:01 AM

Costs a concern in double-tracking project

“It'll be around the figure of RM12bil but we don't know what the final figure is till the Government approves it.”hmmmm...12 bn for a railway expansion is too much, but there's no problem with spending 100bn for roads and expressways :ohno:

Cheers, m

YeahWho

November 6th, 2007, 08:57 PM

That's why rail development is so lagging behind roadway development and we still don't have any intercity HSR now.

TWK90

November 7th, 2007, 06:17 AM

This project seems interesting, as it is much longer than Ipoh-Rawang double track and different terrain..

I think in long term, this project would be beneficial, not just improving train service in terms of speed and capacity, but it would help the freight as well, they can offer more freight trip at one time, thus increase the utilisation of their high-powered locomotives....

It might help reduce any service disruption during rainy season too, with raised track level...hopefully this project might help spur development in northern states, especially Perlis and etc.

nazrey

November 7th, 2007, 02:07 PM

Construction assets draw foreign interes
Wednesday November 7, 2007
TheStar (http://star-space.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/7/pnews/19400652&sec=pnews)

Infrastructure and development projects a boon to sector

PETALING JAYA: Local construction assets seem to be attracting the interest of foreign investors of late.

Last month, Putrajaya Perdana Bhd saw the entry of a new controlling shareholder, Swan Symphony Sdn Bhd, which bought over Eastern & Oriental Bhd’s stake in the former.

Swan Symphony is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi-Kuwait-Malaysia Investment Corp (ADKM) and Autron Investment.

With the support of the new shareholders, Putrajaya Perdana is anticipated to expand its presence to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, PJBumi Bhd told Bursa Malaysia on Monday that its substantial shareholder, PJS Industries Sdn Bhd, planned to sell a 10.2% stake to Al-Saudia for RM3.1mil. This was on top of the 25% that PJS disposed of to Metro Utilities Sdn Bhd in September.

PJBumi, which is trying to return to profitability, is involved in the design, trading, installation and maintenance of fibre-reinforced plastic, reinforced concrete sewage treatment plants and underground petrol cum storage tanks.

It also manages wastewater treatment, solid waste and garbage collection.

The Government’s efforts to improve the quality of water in the country by rolling out various projects look set to benefit PJBumi.

Another company that is going to see a new shareholder is low-profile water player Loh & Loh Corp Bhd.

The shares, which are usually thinly traded, seemed to have sprung to life, having appreciated more than 30% over the one week period.

The counter was last traded at RM4.12 before being suspended in afternoon trade yesterday.

Loh & Loh told the exchange that its substantial shareholder, Vital Achievement Sdn Bhd, intended to dispose of its shares.

An analyst at AmResearch said Loh & Loh was well known as a dam builder in the water sector, having completed several jobs as a sub-contractor for Gamuda Bhd.

http://star-space.com/archives/2007/11/7/pnews/p3-spendingch.JPG

The company also has experience in bulk earthworks and rail track construction, having built bridges for the Ipoh-Rawang double-track project.

Aseambankers in a report said the domestic construction scene could be seeing another boom, given that at least RM165bil worth of infrastructure and development projects identified by the Government and the private sector were likely to kick off by the turn of the decade.

Government spending should pick up since it had to date only spent 25.4% of the RM200bil in development allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, it said.

“We foresee high impact and chunkier projects in the rail, water, and oil and gas sectors, and the government’s regional development efforts, to be the key drivers,” the brokerage added.

nazrey

January 15th, 2008, 06:51 AM

Restored coaches for railway line
Tuesday January 15, 2008
TheStar

SEPANG: Refurbished coaches will be used for the Rawang to Ipoh electrified double track railway line until new ones arrive.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said about two of the electrical multiple unit (EMU) coaches were being refurbished each month.

The double tracks have been used since the beginning of the month but KTMB is running its normal services and coaches on the electrified tracks.

“The schedule for the normal services and the electrified services will be announced by KTMB later,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a partnership agreement between AirAsia and CAE, a world leader in aviation training here yesterday.

CAE will train pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crews for airlines in Southeast Asia with Kuala Lumpur being CAE’s regional hub for Airbus original equipment manufacturer training.

On the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified (:nuts:) railway project (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=452439), Chan said Gamuda Bhd and MMC Corp Bhd have started work on the site.

The 329km track is expected to be completed in five years.

On YTL Bhd’s bullet train project (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=370310&page=17) from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Chan said: “We are still looking into it.

The bullet train would be broad gauge and travel 350km per hour.”

He denied reports that the Government had dropped the project after AirAsia was given the go-ahead to fly to Singapore.

“These are two different modes of transport; still can complement each other but there is no final decision yet on the project,” he said.

On the general election, Chan said MCA had discussed the party's possible candidates but the list had yet to be finalised.

“Yes, we did discuss the names but nothing has been finalised yet,” he said.

Chan, who is also MCA deputy president, declined to comment on which constituency he planned to contest.

TWK90

January 15th, 2008, 07:37 AM

Refurbished....does that mean initially, for the KL-Ipoh rapid intercity service, they gonna use the refurbished EMU (Komuter) to Ipoh first, until the new EMU arrives?

If so, i am curious about the seating arrangement in that initial EMU that will be used to Ipoh...i think Class 81 EMU is the best EMU for that purpose...

nazrey

February 18th, 2008, 04:55 PM

Ipoh Station
by okching

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/1671513551_b833c5e47e_b.jpg

nazrey

February 18th, 2008, 04:57 PM

by f9593

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/2265984879_8686b07f8d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/2265987283_e79bd6ddbd_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2266775326_95fb6c89e7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2265/2265995819_511714b7a0_b.jpg

by chinweiz

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/2271333574_64188b17f3_b.jpg

nazrey

February 18th, 2008, 04:58 PM

by f9593

http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/4/2/18/f_22667731422m_646f58a.jpg

YeahWho

February 18th, 2008, 05:30 PM

Like the Ipoh Train Station. It is as beautiful as the KL Station, just in a smaller scale. Hope that it comes to live after the commencement of KL-Ipoh Commuter service.

allurban

February 19th, 2008, 08:42 AM

Like the Ipoh Train Station. It is as beautiful as the KL Station, just in a smaller scale. Hope that it comes to live after the commencement of KL-Ipoh Commuter service.I also hope that public transport in Ipoh can come back to life as well...they dont need to have a "RapidIpoh" (it doesnt make sense, anyways), but it would be nice to have better, more frequent and organized service....with new buses pleeeeaaaase

Cheers, m

nazrey

April 3rd, 2008, 03:52 PM

Ipoh Station
by surash.balakrishnan

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2373620313_c5e3925d95_b.jpg

TWK90

April 3rd, 2008, 04:26 PM

^^

That's the first time i saw edgy shape of catenary pole ala ERL, compared to normal Komuter rounded catenary pole...

forrestcat

April 3rd, 2008, 05:25 PM

I also hope that public transport in Ipoh can come back to life as well...they dont need to have a "RapidIpoh" (it doesnt make sense, anyways), but it would be nice to have better, more frequent and organized service....with new buses pleeeeaaaase

Cheers, m

Ipoh actually have very nice bus shelters. But the local buses :ohno:...a moving museum.

allurban

April 4th, 2008, 11:48 AM

Ipoh actually have very nice bus shelters. But the local buses :ohno:...a moving museum.great idea...when the buses are retired, build a transport museum...perhaps in Ipoh? Easy to find the buses.

Cheers, m

dengilo

April 7th, 2008, 08:23 AM

Well done KTM!!!tracks and stations are ready lets wait for trains???The first generation EMU also they cannot give it a coat of new paint!!!Ah yo what is wrong with these people running KTMlah

TWK90

April 7th, 2008, 08:28 AM

^^

Now there are some Class 83 Komuter EMUs have been refurbished (that includes new paint as well)...i think they need to step up their refurbishment of their EMU fast, because sometimes, commuters have to face the malfunctioned air conditioning system....

I have no idea how come the MOT can't order new EMU earlier to prepare for the completion of Rawang-Ipoh track...infrastructure now in place, now have to wait probably until next year to see their new EMU...

April 7th, 2008, 09:14 AM

Sorry to ask this question. I have not posted here since 2006. :lol:

When will the service between Rawang and Ipoh start? I mean the exact date and time... :colgate:

nazrey

July 14th, 2008, 04:07 PM

by Thunder Khoon

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2580641472_05601ecd24_b.jpg

rizalhakim

July 15th, 2008, 04:59 AM

Another RM1bil double-track job for Ingress?
By YEOW POOI LING

INGRESS Corp Bhd is tipped to have secured another RM1bil worth of contract to supply signalling and communication systems for the Ipoh-Padang Besar double-tracking railway project.

An industry source said the contract would be awarded to a joint-venture company between Ingress and Italy-based Ansaldo Group.

Ingress's 49% associate, Balfour Beatty Rail Sdn Bhd, via a joint venture with Ansaldo's Malaysian unit – Ansaldo STS Malaysia Sdn Bhd – recently secured an RM1bil contract for the electrification part of the double-tracking project.

Ansaldo, which is listed on the Milan stock exchange, has a reputable record in the provision of traffic management, planning, train control and signalling systems and services.

“Electrification works start first before signalling and communication systems are set up,” the source said.

Having both contracts would encourage sharing of resources and creating more efficiency and cost savings, thus giving better margins for the group, the source added.

Datuk Rameli Musa
Ingress group chief executive officer Datuk Rameli Musa, when contacted, declined to comment on the matter.

However, he said, the company was interested in bidding for the electrification portion of the Seremban-Gemas double-tracking project, which was estimated to worth between RM400mil and RM500mil.

Ircon International Ltd, which is the main contractor, has yet to open the tender for that part.

Meanwhile, Ingress' power engineering railway (PER) division would remain profitable in the next two years, buoyed by demand for electric rail in the country as well as in the region.

“With oil prices rising and environmental issues cropping up, there will be demand for cleaner form of transportation,” Rameli said.

The group would also leverage on its partner Balfour Beatty's expertise and global network to expand regionally.

“We've been invited to view some rail electrification projects in Mumbai, India and Saudi Arabia,” he said.

For the auto and components manufacturing (ACM) business, Ingress expects Indonesia's total industry volume this year to supersede Malaysia.

This would bode well for its ACM division in Indonesia, which supplied to carmakers like Daihatsu and Suzuki, Rameli said.

Last year, its ACM division in Indonesia produced about 30,000 of auto part sets from a total capacity of up to 100,000 sets.

This was likely to increase to some 60,000 sets this year, Rameli said, adding that in revenue terms, it would be more than 50% higher.

The prospect for the Indonesian auto sector looked buoyant, especially after the bilateral agreement with Japan, which allowed Japanese auto parts to be exported to Indonesia with free duty.

Thailand's demand is also expected to remain firm. Last year, its ACM division in Thailand produced about 80,000 auto part sets from an annual capacity of 1.4 million.

Locally, Ingress expects new products like wire harness, stamping and under carriage parts, which are of higher value items, to sustain its ACM earnings.

“We already controlled about 70% share of the door sets and moulding market,” he noted.

On rising cost of fuel, he said the impact would be more visible in the next six months.

Currently, there was strong demand for compact and fuel-efficient cars like Perodua Myvi and Viva, as well as for Proton's Persona and new Saga models, Rameli added.

This year, Ingress formed a partnership with South Korean-based CES Co Ltd to design and fabricate tools, dies and jigs.

Rameli said by having in-house expertise, Ingress would see enhanced competitiveness in terms of product pricing and lead-time.

Meanwhile, Ingress is eyeing for further exposure in India's auto sector. It presently provides technical assistance to Mayur Industries Ltd of India.

“We hope to form a joint-venture company in India by end of this year,” he said.

nazrey

July 16th, 2008, 04:01 PM

Source : http://www.mmc.com.my/pdf/Investor-Presentation/20080423_IR_Final.pdf

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/4/7/16/f_02m_98d11ed.jpg

nazrey

July 20th, 2008, 12:21 AM

Sorry to ask this question. I have not posted here since 2006. :lol:

When will the service between Rawang and Ipoh start? I mean the exact date and time... :colgate:

From Integrated transport terminal at Bandar Tasik Selatan Thread
RM570mil terminal project to proceed
Tuesday July 8, 2008
TheStar

THE Government will proceed with the RM570mil integrated transport terminal at Bandar Tasik Selatan which will replace Puduraya as Kuala Lumpur's main terminal for southbound buses.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time that the terminal would be ready by 2010.

He told Chua Tee Yong (BN – Labis) the terminal would cater to road-based public transport serving the southern part of the peninsula, namely Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor.

The terminal, first proposed in the late 1990s, would be located next to the Bandar Tasik Selatan light rail transit, KTM Komuter and Express Rail Link stations.

Lajim said construction work started in November last year and that with the new terminal, there would be a reduction of the number of public transport vehicles entering the city.

He said the new integrated terminal was expected to cater to 100,000 commuters from the nearby LRT, ERL and Komuter KTM stations.

Lajim also said that other upgrading of the transport system included double tracking from Seremban to Gemas at RM3.45bil, Ipoh to Padang Besar at RM12.485bil and Sentul to Batu Caves at RM557mil.

The Seremban-Gemas link would be ready by 2012, Ipoh–Padang Besar by 2013 and Sentul–Batu Caves by 2009.

“Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd has also bought 32 trains to ensure the LRT system would be more efficient,” he said.

To a question by M. Kulasegaran (DAP – Ipoh Barat), Lajim said KTM Bhd was waiting for new coaches to arrive by the end of the year to ply the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh route.

nazrey

August 4th, 2008, 07:13 AM

Squatters to move out by Aug 3
Monday August 4, 2008
TheStar

EIGHT squatter families at Kampung Pisang, Chemor, near Ipoh, have been given until the end of the month to vacate their homes to make way for RM12.4bil electrified double tracking railway project from Ipoh to Padang Besar.

The decision was reached following a dialogue between the families and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).

The dialogue, arranged by Tambun MP Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, was held at SK Haji Mahmud in Chemor recently.

KTMB project managemen spokesman Zan Zulkifli said work on the land occupied by the families was supposed to have started in June.

“But because of the new deadline, work on the project for the Chemor–Khantan stretch will be delayed by two months,” he said.

Earlier, Zan informed the families that they would be paid RM1,000 in ex-gratia as moving fee and RM300 in rental aid for two years.

“The state will find alternative housing for you all during the two years,” he told them.

When replying to queries from residents, Zan said the ex-gratia payment would not be increased.

“This is the amount that will be paid to all squatters affected by the double tracking project,” he added.

Husni, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, said he was approached by the squatters to have the dialogue as they were frightened by eviction notices they had received.

“They also wanted more time to look for alternative housing,” he added.

rizalhakim

August 6th, 2008, 06:13 AM

Pembinaan stesen kereta api baru Kuala Kangsar ditangguh

Oleh ANGELINA SINYANG

KUALA KANGSAR 5 Ogos - Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) terpaksa menangguhkan sementara pembinaan Stesen Keretapi Kuala Kangsar baru selepas menerima bantahan penduduk yang tidak berpuas hati dalam soal bayaran pampasan tanah.

Ketua UMNO Bahagian Kuala Kangsar, Datuk Ramly Zahari berkata, KTMB bersama syarikat pemaju iaitu MMC Corporation Bhd. (MMC) dan Gamuda Bhd. (Gamuda) bersetuju menangguhkan pembinaan stesen kereta api berkenaan sehinggalah masalah pampasan tanah penduduk diselesaikan.

Beliau berkata, pengambilan tanah di antara Jalan Kolam Air dengan Kampung Simpang Talang dekat sini mendapat bantahan daripada lebih 30 penduduk kerana mendakwa mereka tidak dibayar pampasan yang setimpal.

''Penduduk tidak membantah cadangan kerajaan mahu membina Stesen Keretapi Kuala Kangsar di bawah projek landasan berkembar KTMB di atas tanah milik mereka.

''Mereka cuma tidak berpuas hati dengan jumlah pampasan yang dibayar oleh MMC dan Gamuda kerana ia bukan sahaja membabitkan pengambilan tanah tetapi termasuk rumah yang sudah didiami sejak lebih 90 tahun lalu," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada Utusan Malaysia selepas mendengar taklimat dan mengadakan perbincangan dengan wakil KTMB, MMC dan Gamuda mengenai isu berkenaan di Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Talang di sini semalam.

Turut hadir ialah Pegawai Daerah Kuala Kangsar, Datuk Mohd. Ghazali Jalal dan kira-kira 30 penduduk kampung yang terlibat dalam projek tersebut.

Pembinaan stesen kereta api baru di antara Jalan Kolam Air dan Kampung Simpang Tiga Talang adalah bagi menggantikan Stesen Keretapi Kuala Kangsar lama terletak di Jalan Idris di sini.

Ia adalah sebahagian daripada projek landasan kereta api berkembar yang menghubungkan Ipoh ke Padang Besar sepanjang 329 kilometer bernilai RM14.5 bilion.

Perpindahan stesen ke lokasi baru itu perlu kerana stesen lama di Jalan Idris didapati tidak sesuai untuk dilalui oleh kereta api berkembar elektrik ekoran keadaan landasannya yang tidak lurus.

Mengikut perancangan, stesen kereta api baru berkenaan akan mempunyai sebuah bangunan dua tingkat, dua platform, kuarters pekerja dan tempat letak kereta.

Menurut Ramly, penduduk kampung terdiri daripada kaum Melayu, Cina, India dan Punjabi pada mulanya membantah projek tersebut kerana tidak diberi gambaran jelas oleh pemaju.

''Melalui perjumpaan hari ini, penduduk akhirnya memahami dengan jelas mengenai projek tersebut dan bersetuju memberi kerjasama termasuk menyerahkan tanah mereka dengan syarat pemaju memenuhi tiga tuntutan mereka.

''Tiga syarat tersebut ialah jika boleh kuarters pekerja tidak dibina di kawasan stesen bagi mengelak lebih banyak tanah penduduk diambil, penduduk juga mahu KTMB membenarkan mereka membina rumah baru di kawasan tanah rezab mereka dengan dibiayai oleh MMC dan Gamuda serta menambah jumlah bayaran pampasan mengikut nilai harga tanah semasa," jelasnya.

nazrey

August 6th, 2008, 11:54 AM

DPMM Expresses Interest In Gemas-Johor Baharu Double Track Railway Project
August 06, 2008 16:46 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia (DPMM) has expressed its interest to be the main contractor for the Gemas-Johor Baharu double-tracking railway project.

DPMM president Syed Ali Alattas said the project worth RM9 billion is expected to be opened for tenders soon by the government.

Master Vendor Corporation Sdn Bhd, which is a subsidiary of Yayasan DPMM, will be responsible for dividing the government's project by appointing contractors, professionals and Malay entrepreneurs capable of handling the work.

"We believe that we have the capability and capacity to handle the project with 200,000 members, out of whom 30,000 are registered contractors," he said at a media briefing here Wednesday.

To this end, Master Vendor has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Railway Construction Corporation Ltd in April this year to assist in the development of the railway project.

The two parties have agreed to form a consortium to undertake the project.

"They have agreed to support with the training of contractors as well as to finance it," Syed Ali said.

Under the MoU, China Railway will assist in providing the supply of railway materials, construction materials, expertise as well as helping Master Vendor to liaise with China's Eximbank to obtain financing facilities where necessary.

China Railway is one of the largest and most powerful mega-size multiple construction corporations as well as the largest project contractor in China.

Its businesses comprise construction project contracting, survey, design and consultation, industrial manufacturing, exploitation of real estate, capital operation and logistics.

It was reported in June that the government may call for tenders for the Gemas-Johor Baharu railway project by year-end.

The project involves building over 200 kilometres of parallel railway tracks, including stations, depots, halts, yards and bridges.

-- BERNAMA

dengilo

August 7th, 2008, 06:31 AM

Whats the point of double tracking it all the way to timbakktu if they dont have the trains!!!

nazrey

August 12th, 2008, 12:08 PM

Gamuda the biggest beneficiary of new VOP rules
by Yantoultra Ngui Yichen, 12 Aug 2008 11:09 AM
THEEDGEDAILY

KUALA LUMPUR: Gamuda Bhd is the biggest beneficiary of the government’s latest move in revising the new variation of price (VOP) conditions for government construction jobs, said ECMLibra Investment Research.

“We are reviewing our earnings estimate and valuation for Gamuda Bhd with a possible upgrade,” the research house said yesterday, adding that Gamuda would benefit mainly from the RM6.3 billion design-and-build Ipoh-Padang Besar double tracking project.

ECMLibra Research had on its last report on Gamuda dated June 26, 2008 reduced the construction firm’s earnings estimate by 3.4% to RM324 million and 12.4% to RM389.7 million for FY08 to FY10 on the back of lower property sales and delay in the commencement of Nam Theun 1 hydropower project by another year.

The research house had also reduced Gamuda’s target price to RM2.85 from RM2.90 following the reduced earnings estimate, but reiterated a buy on the construction firm.

The Ministry of Finance had on Aug 6, 2008 released a circular on the revised VOP rules that include an enlarged VOP list.

The new items to be included into the VOP list are for civil engineering works rather than building works and there are six new items rather than 11 as previously stated.

The revised VOP list also qualifies mechanical and electrical (M&E) works for VOP claims and allows VOP for design-and-build contracts on the same basis as conventional contracts instead of just steel bars, even though the 50:50 risk sharing remained.

“Besides further liberalising the VOP claims, the government will also consider a three-month extension for projects which are on-going between Jan 1 and Aug 6,” said ECMLibra Research, adding that the new VOP would be backdated to Jan 1.

Nevertheless, the research house said that the outlook on the construction sector remained sluggish in the next six months on the back of the escalating construction cost arising from the recent fuel price hike and electricity tariff hike.

However, it said earnings momentum of the construction stocks under its coverage such as Gamuda, IJM Corporation Bhd and Sunway Holdings Bhd was still intact due to high proportion of construction order book from booming overseas market.

“As for stock pick, we favour IJM Corporation due to its significant plantation earnings and exposure to the more vibrant construction market in the Middle East and India,” ECMLibra Research said in a research note yesterday.

Shares of Gamuda, trading at a price-to-earnings ratio (PER) of 16 times, closed one sen higher at RM2.82 yesterday with a total of 3.1 million shares changing hands.

IJM, trading at PER of 11.3 times, closed 10 sen or 1.82% higher at RM5.60 with 777,500 shares trasacted.

Sunway closed 0.5 sen higher at 89 sen with 780,400 shares transacted. The counter trades at a current PER of 13 times.

nazrey

August 13th, 2008, 11:10 PM

Ipoh Railway Station

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/3/10/15/f_07m_ba559c9.jpg

by cheeseong

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2715907505_c1bb174f5d_o.jpg

nazrey

August 13th, 2008, 11:11 PM

by Don Benova

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nazrey

August 13th, 2008, 11:12 PM

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nazrey

October 29th, 2008, 04:12 PM

KL to Ipoh in three hours by train from Dec 1
NST Online » NewsBreak
2008/10/29 By : June Ramli

KUALA LUMPUR:

Beginning Dec 1, there will be more train services between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.

The service, which starts as early as 5am, will enable those living in Ipoh to use it to come to work in Kuala Lumpur.

“We plan to make Ipoh the next Seremban, where people can work in Kuala Lumpur but still live in Ipoh. Over there everything is cheaper, including properties, and people can save a lot of money if they stay in Ipoh, ” said KTM Berhad managing director Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Malek after launching the MS 1722 certification for safety management and health at a hotel here today.

Abdul Razak said the train from Ipoh will make 10 stops - Batu Gajah, Kampar, Tapah, Sungkai, Tanjung Malim, Kuala Kubu Baru, Sungai Buloh, Kepong Sentral, the old Kuala Lumpur train station and KL Sentral.

The last train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh will leave at 9.45pm and will reach Ipoh at 12.30am. There will be 10 trips a day, with five from Ipoh and the rest from KL.
Abdul Razak said the fare will be as low as RM10 each way, adding that KTMB was looking to emulate budget airline AirAsia in offering low fares to encourage more people to travel by rail since there was no flight services in Ipoh.

The train service between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur will take just under three hours.

“We hope to slash the travel period to 2 hours and 15 minutes when we get the five new sets of trains from South Korea in 2010, ” he said, adding that the new sets cost a total of RM240 million.

Abdul Razak also said that KTMB was planning to extend its commuter train services from Rawang to Tanjung Malim in July. The journey will take 30 minutes each way.

Cakapcakap

October 30th, 2008, 04:16 AM

rizalhakim

October 30th, 2008, 08:17 AM

http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/2388481/insidepix1

TWK90

October 30th, 2008, 09:40 AM

I guess that the penang state government have does it again. They have now stop the double track project in Penang. My friends have given the name 'Stop Work Government' to the new state government. Can they do something else instead of stop work? I am sure there are some otherway to solve problem.

It is just a precautionary measure, and i am very optimistic that works on Penang section will be restarted not long, because KTMB and the contractor for sure, do keep in contact with the state government...

If they really intend to stop the project, they should have done it far earlier, isn't it?

Even oppositions do not oppose this project compared to other high budget projects...

nazrey

November 5th, 2008, 11:16 AM

Work On Double-track Railway Line To Resume Soon
November 05, 2008 16:49 PM

BUTTERWORTH, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Penang government will retract its stop-work order on the electric double-track railway line in the state soon after all problems which crop up due to the project implementation have been resolved.

State Agriculture and Agrobased Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation Committee Chairman Law Choo Kiang said the move would also be taken following action by the project contractor, MMC Corporation Berhad-Gamuda Berhad (MMC-Gamuda JV), in meeting the specifications as stipulated in the project.

"They (contractor) have taken action against all problems (raised by the state government) and almost resolved all the problems," he said when contacted today.

Law said a report on the matter would be sent to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng later today.

On Oct 22, the state government issued an order for MMG-Gamuda JV to stop work immediately on the project following floods in Jawi which was said to be caused by the project implementation.

Following which, a committee chaired by Law was formed to monitor the project implementation.

Meanwhile, state Drainage and Irrigation Department director Hanapi Mohamad Noor said following a meeting, involving the state government, the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), MMC-Gamuda JV and several other government agencies, it was agreed that monitoring on the implementation of the double-track project be conducted at the district.

Through this mechanism, the contractor would have to refer to the relevant district agencies where the project was being implemented, he told reporters after launching an environmental campaign near Sungai Juru here today.

The electrified double-track project (EDTP) between Ipoh and Padang Besar, stretching 329 kilometres and costing RM12.485 billion, is expected to be ready in 2013.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

November 6th, 2008, 01:31 AM

Work on doubletrack railway to resume soon
Updated: Wednesday November 5, 2008 MYT 6:03:56 PM

BUTTERWORTH: The temporary stop work order on Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)'s Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double-track project (EDTP) may be lifted by the middle of the month.

State Drainage and Irrigation Department director (DID) Hanapi Mohamad Noor said the department was satisfied by the remedial work that KTMB was presently carrying out to repair a damaged bund in the area.

"During our recent visit to the affected area, we found that almost 70% of the remedial work has been completed.

"I believe the state will lift the project's stop-work order within the next two weeks," he told reporters at an environment awareness programme at the Sungai Juru water catchment area on Wednesday.

On Oct 22, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng issued a stop-work order on all KTMB projects in Penang after a river bund in Titi Hitam, Nibong Tebal in South Seberang Prai was damaged during the EDTP project's construction.

KTMB and its contractors, Gamuda Bhd and MMC Corp Bhd had since taken responsibility for the damage and gave its full cooperation to repair the damaged bund and undersized culvert boxes.

The remedial work comprised repairs to the bund in Kampung Jawi, removal of blockages and the widening of a river in Kampung Valdor as well as upgrading a culvert box to a temporary bridge in Taman Kijang.

Hanapi said KTMB had also agreed on a gradual gradient increase of its tracks that crossed rivers and drains by an average of 0.5m to 1m to avoid rubbish and river vegetation from being trapped under the tracks during floods and high tide.

He said the department would soon set up a supervisory team at district level to monitor the EDTP, as it was being carried out without prior consultation with the department.

The 329km EDTP cuts across the four northern states of Penang, Perak, Kedah and Perlis and is expected to be ready in 2013. It will link up with the Rawang line.

nazrey

December 14th, 2008, 08:09 PM

FACT FIND
When complete the Electrified Double Track project from Ipoh to Padang Besar will reduce the travel time from Penang to Kuala Lumpur from 9-hours to 3-hours.

Electrified Double Track Alignment
Alignment Overview | Perlis | Kedah | Pulau Pinang | Perak
Perlis

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Kedah

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Pulau Pinang
NOTE: Buttorworth Station aka Penang Sentral :lol:

Project : Penang Sentral
Scale : 1 : 300
Client : Veritas Architects

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Perak

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nazrey

December 14th, 2008, 08:14 PM

FACT FIND!
Over 1,200 trailers and tipper trucks will be needed to transport these materials to work sites.

FACT FIND!
Freight is currently Keretapi Tanah Melayu’s biggest money earner with the northern section contributing over 70% of the revenue.

Construction Method
Construction for Double Track is of the Multi-layer Construction, where works will take place in a sequence from bottom to top. It begins with utilities, ground treatment, drainage culverts, earthworks, bridgeworks and viaducts, trackworks, station building and systems works. This method allows for simultaneous works carried out in all four states at the same time.

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nazrey

December 14th, 2008, 08:22 PM

FACT FIND
The requirement of steel bars exceed 400,000 tonnes at the estimated value of RM1 billion.

FACT FIND
Over RM2 million pieces of precast costing RM800 million is required for the Ipoh to Padang Besar Electrified Double Track project.

Progress

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Padang Rengas - Ipoh

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SHEET PILES WORKS / BORED PILING WORKS

Parit Buntar - Padang Rengas

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RC SLAB CONSTRUCTION / TUNNEL PORTAL CONTROL BLASTING COMPLETED

Bukit Mertajam - Parit Buntar

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SAND GABION INSTALLATION / REBAR WORK FOR SUB-STATION

Sungai Petani - Bukit Mertajam

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CASTING PILE EMBANKMENT / INSTALLATION OF SQUARE PILE

Alor Setar - Sungai Petani

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PILED EMBANKMENT SLAB / PVD INSTALLATION

Arau - Alor Setar

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PVD PLATFORM PREPARATION / PILING WORKS

Padang Besar - Arau

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DRAINAGE MANHOLE AT TEMP CONTAINER YARD / SITE CLEARING AT BUKIT KETRI

nazrey

December 14th, 2008, 08:33 PM

About Electrified Double Track Project
Tunnel:
Bukit Berapit – 3.3km (Perak)
Larut – 0.33km (Perak)

Systems:
Electrification
Signaling & Control
Communication

FACT FIND
Once complete, the project will multiply the existing capacity of the current railway network.

FACT FIND
Rail is much safer compared to other modes of transportation, and can save the country millions annually in road accident costs.

FACT FIND
The Berapit tunnel will be the longest railway twin single-track tunnels in South East Asia with a distance of 3.3km in length.

rizalhakim

December 17th, 2008, 04:20 AM

Double-tracking project delayed
By LEE KIAN SEONG

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Land acquisition problems may hold up completion by one year

SHAH ALAM: Gamuda Bhd expects the completion of its electrified double tracking project (EDTP) to be delayed by one year due to a delay in land acquisition.

MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Gamuda and MMC Corp Bhd, was awarded the RM12.5bil railway contract linking Ipoh to Padang Besar by the Government in December last year.

Gamuda group managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling said the completion of the EDTP would probably be delayed by at least a year from the initial plan of five years due to the delay in acquiring land in Penang.

“There are substantial delays in Penang, partly because of the huge number of squatters between the railway and the rights of reserve,” he said after the company’s AGM yesterday.

He said the land acquisition exercises in Perlis, Kedah and Perak were going well, adding that the company had begun construction works for the EDTP in January this year.

“The progress is satisfactory; the only concern is the land acquisition in Penang,” he said.

Lin said the land should have been handed by the Government within nine months of the start of the contract, as stated in the agreement.

“Our latest view is that it will take at least another year for the land to be handed over,” he said, adding that the company would need a longer time to complete the project if there was further delay in land acquisition.

On the new date for completion, he said the company would discuss with the Government after getting a clearer picture on when the land issue would be settled.

He said the Government, following an evaluation, informed Gamuda via a letter two months ago that it would not downsize.

Lin said the Government had also decided that part of the project funding would be on a deferred payment basis.

“It means that the Government will have parties like the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Bank Pembangunan financing the project on the back of the Government’s undertaking to pay them later,” he said.

On the fluctuations in construction material costs, he said it was hard to predict the price escalation for a six-year project.

“Our input cost will moderate given the weak demand outlook in commodities like copper, steel and ore,” he said.

rizalhakim

December 17th, 2008, 08:57 AM

Projek landasan RM12.5b lewat setahun

SHAH ALAM 16 Dis. - Penyerahan projek pembinaan landasan kereta api berkembar Ipoh-Padang Besar yang bernilai RM12.5 bilion dijangka terpaksa dilewatkan setahun lagi berikutan masalah pembelian tanah di Pulau Pinang.

Pengarah Urusan Gamuda Bhd., Datuk Lin Yun Ling berkata, sepatutnya pelaksanaan projek itu merangkumi tempoh lima tahun mulai 8 Januari 2008 hingga 7 Januari 2013.

Projek landasan kereta api berkembar itu dilaksanakan oleh Gamuda bersama-sama dengan MMC Bhd. milik tokoh korporat Tan Syed Mokhtar Albukhary secara perkongsian setara.

Menurut Yun Ling, berdasarkan perjanjian awal dengan MMC dan Gamuda, tanah-tanah yang terlibat bagi laluan di landasan tersebut patut diserahkan dalam tempoh sembilan bulan sebaik sahaja kontrak bermula.

Setakat ini, katanya, pengambilan tanah di tiga buah negeri yang terlibat dalam projek itu iaitu Perlis, Kedah dan Perak telah selesai kecuali Pulau Pinang.

''Apa yang kita tahu urusan pengambilan alih tanah di Pulau Pinang untuk diserahkan kepada kami terpaksa dilewatkan setahun lagi.

''Dengan keadaan ini kami juga terpaksa mengambil setahun lagi untuk menyiapkan projek ini kepada enam tahun,'' katanya pada sidang akhbar selepas mesyuarat agung tahunan kumpulan itu di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata, Gamuda dan MMC akan membina landasan berkembar itu mengikut reka bentuk asal dan tiada sebarang perubahan untuk mengurangkan kos bagi sistem elektrik bagi projek berkenaan seperti yang dilaporkan sebelum ini.

''Kami telah menerima surat daripada kerajaan dua bulan lalu yang memberitahu bahawa tidak perubahan dibuat bagi projek berkenaan selepas kajian menyeluruh dibuat.

''Saya tidak menafikan pengurangan kos bagi projek ini banyak diperkatakan di media tetapi kerajaan berpendapat projek dengan RM12.5 juta itu merupakan jumlah optimum.

''Malah, kerajaan juga membuat keputusan bahawa sebahagian pembiayaan bagi projek ini dibuat secara asas bayaran, yang mana Bank Pembangunan dan Kumpulan Simpanan Wang Pekerja akan membiayai projek ini dan kerajaan akan membayarnya kepada agensi terbabit kemudian,'' ujarnya.

Kos bagi pembinaan infrastruktur projek rel berkembar itu adalah sebanyak RM10 bilion dan bagi operasi dan sistem elektrik pula bernilai RM2.5 bilion.

TWK90

December 17th, 2008, 11:05 AM

Nothing unusual, a year delay is still better than Rawang-Ipoh project, the Klang Valley project did have delays too...........also land issue...

Anyway, good to see that there will be no downsizing of this project, that means......maybe we can expect Butterworth to Padang Besar remains electrified?

nazrey

December 22nd, 2008, 01:03 AM

Sentul-Batu Caves Double-Tracking and Electrification

The 7.2 km extension to the Batu Caves branch line started at the end of 2006. The project - which will cost RM515mil - will include electrification, double-tracking and refitting the existing old track, signalling, communications, as well as construction of new stations at Sentul, Batu Kentonmen (English: Batu Cantonment), Kampung Batu (English: Batu Village), Taman Wahyu and Batu Caves. Sentul is currently the terminus for KTM Komuter's Sentul-Port Klang Line and the extension will enable the commuter train service to be extended to Batu Caves. Proposed during the 1990s, the project was initially given to DRB-Hicom Berhad and a letter of intent was issued by the Transport Ministry to the company on 13 April 2001. No letter of award was however issued and there was no movement until 2006 when site possession was given to contractor YTL Corporation Berhad on November 17, 2006. The project is expected to be completed in 30 months' time in May 2009. The Sentul station is part of the Sentul Raya masterplan development under YTL Corporation Berhad.

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An artist's impression of the new Batu Caves KTM Komuter station which will be constructed under the Sentul-Batu Caves double tracking and electrification project.

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Another artist's impression of the new Batu Caves KTM Komuter station.

TWK90

December 26th, 2008, 06:55 PM

Source : http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=378926

Guan Eng Advises Gamuda To Be Cautious On Statements

PENANG, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Wednesday advised Gamuda Bhd to "think carefully" before making any statement concerning the state government.

He gave the advice when expressing dissatisfaction over Gamuda's statement yesterday that the completion of its electrified double-tracking project (EDTP) would be delayed by one year due to delay in land acquisition in Penang.

"Don't play around with the Penang state government," Lim told reporters after the opening of the Pacific departmental store at the Tun Abdul Razak Complex (Komtar) here. He, however, declined to elaborate.

Yesterday, Gamuda group managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling said the completion of the EDTP would probably be delayed by at least a year from the initial plan of five years due to the delay in acquiring land in Penang.

MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Gamuda and MMC Corp Bhd, was awarded the RM12.5-billion contract for the rail link between Ipoh and Padang Besar by the federal government in December last year.

The railway track runs through Perak, Kedah, Penang and Perlis. Lin had said that the land acquisition exercises in Perlis, Kedah and Perak were going well.

-- BERNAMA

TWK90

December 26th, 2008, 06:56 PM

Source : http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=380520

MMC-Gamuda JV Submits Finalised Drawings For Ipoh-Padang Besar Double Track

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- The finalised development order drawings for the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified railway double track project was submitted to the Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Prai, Friday.

MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture Sdn Bhd, in a statement said the development order process in Penang covering a distance of 63 kilometre and three districts had been on-going over the recent months with the feedback from Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Prai and subsequent amendment of drawings.

The company said the governments of the states of Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis through which the tracks run, have been helpful with the progress of the project and that they were briefed on the status and issues arising from the project.

"Work had begun, while the development order with the authorities were in process," the statement said, adding that briefings have been conducted at the Chief Minister's level right through to local authority offices.

The company said except for the development order, other approvals such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Management Plan and Engineering Drawings of Road Over Bridge, pedestrian and motorcycle bridges, river bridges and many more have been approved or in the process of being approved by the relevant authorities.

On the issue on compensation for squatters in Penang, the company said that they have been in discussion with the state and federal governments and understand that the decision will be made soon.

The Penang state government on Wednesday said it has issued a stop-work order effective Friday to MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture following the company's failure to submit a layout plan for the 63km of track in Penang of its Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified railway double track project.

The double track will pass through Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis and is expected to benefit the public across the four states in terms of economic contribution in the future.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

December 27th, 2008, 04:32 PM

MMC-Gamuda submits development order
Published: 2008/12/27

MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture Sdn Bhd said the development order application for the electrified double-track project's Penang portion was submitted to Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Prai yesterday.

In a statement, the company said with the state government approval, work has proceeded while waiting for the development order to be approved, in order to ensure timely progress covering the distance of 63km alignment in Penang.

nazrey

December 29th, 2008, 02:03 AM

Design, Construction to Completion, Testing, Commissioning and Maintenance of Railway Development at Batu Gajah, Perak

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Global Rail to invest RM30m in staff training
By Sharen Kaur
Published: 2008/12/29

RAILWAY engineering firm, Global Rail Sdn Bhd, aims to invest an initial RM30 million to train skilled personnel for the country's railway sector.

It intends to work with the government to train specialist engineers at the soon-to-open RM120 million railway training centre in Batu Gajah, Perak, its managing director Fan Boon Heng said.

The centre, to start operations next month, was built for national railway firm KTM Bhd, and features a school, hostel and railway quarters.

The centre forms part of the RM380 million Batu Gajah workshop and Electrical Multiple Units Depot project that is being built by Road Builder (M) Sdn Bhd and Fajar Baru Capital Bhd.

The idea is to have a dedicated centre to undertake major maintenance and overhaul of KTM's rolling stock, and to manufacture locally-assembled wagons and coaches, which are now mostly imported from Europe..

"There is a lack of local expertise in the railway sector. We are working out a conceptual proposal to submit to the government by next March. We also hope to work with KTMB to upgrade the centre into a Railway Institute," Fan told Business Times. Part of the RM30 million investment is to invest on the required facilities, equipment and machinery for railway construction works, he added.

It will collaborate with foreign firms like Siemens, Invensys Rail, Bombardier Transportation and others, on the transfer of technology to develop capabilities to lead the railway system works.

Global Rail plans to partner China Infraglobe Consortium, a global infrastructure development and logistics specialist, to invest on railway infrastructure, linking the economic corridors in Peninsular Malaysia.

"The initial plan is to link down south from Gemas to Johor Baru and within Iskandar Malaysia. It will involve huge investments but the idea is to come in on Private Finance Initiative," Fan said.

Global Rail, set up in July last year, was founded by Fan, who previously headed ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation and later Balfour Beatty Rail Sdn Bhd for over 15 years.

It has in hand RM25 million worth of jobs from Road Builder for electrification for the Batu Gajah project, and from YTL Corp Bhd, to supply automatic train protection system and railway point machines for its Sentul-Batu Caves railway project.

rizalhakim

December 30th, 2008, 07:52 AM

MMC-Gamuda serah pelan landasan berkembar

KUALA LUMPUR 26 Dis. – Pemaju projek landasan kereta api elektrik berkembar, MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture Sdn. Bhd. (MMC-Gamuda JV) hari ini menyerahkan pelan cadangan pembangunan projek yang dimuktamadkan kepada Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Prai (MPSP).

Penyerahan itu dibuat setelah kerajaan negeri Pulau Pinang sebelum ini mengarahkan MMC-Gamuda JV memberhentikan sementara pembinaan landasan kereta api elektrik itu berkuat kuasa serta-merta berikutan kerja-kerja pembinaan telah menyebabkan banjir di kawasan terlibat.

Menurut kenyataan MMC-Gamuda JV, syarikat usahasama itu telah memberikan penjelasan kepada kerajaan negeri berhubung status perkembangan dan semua isu yang menjejaskan perjalanan projek itu.

‘‘Taklimat telah diberikan sehingga di peringkat Ketua Menteri dan sehingga pihak berkuasa tempatan.

‘‘Pelan cadangan pembangunan di Pulau Pinang meliputi kawasan sepanjang 63 kilometer dan tiga daerah terlibat telah mendapat maklum balas daripada MPSP serta perubahan kepada lukisan pelan itu, telah diserahkan kepada pihak berwajib pada hari ini,’’ katanya.

Kenyataan itu berkata, pihak MMC-Gamuda JV berterima kasih dengan kerajaan negeri Pulau Pinang yang membenarkan kerja-kerja pembinaan diteruskan sementara menunggu kelulusan pelan cadangan pembangunan bagi memastikan kelancaran projek tersebut.

‘‘Selain pelan cadangan pembangunan, pelan-pelan lain seperti Penilaian Kesan Alam Sekitar (EIA) telah diluluskan atau dalam proses untuk diluluskan.,” katanya.