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KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 20): Rehabilitation works for the Klang Valley Double Track Phase II (KVDT2) project, particularly for the Subang Jaya-Klang stretch, are expected to be completed by the end of March, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the section is currently under construction and is slated for completion in the first quarter, though the entire second phase of the railway, which stretches all the way to Seremban, will take a few more years to complete.
He said the construction works had been accelerated by a drastic measure taken last year to close the entire KTM Komuter line, based on extensive data analysis.
"Currently, trains only operate in one direction from Klang to KL Sentral during morning peak hours because data shows that 90% of passengers during these hours travel from Klang to Kuala Lumpur for work, not the other way around.
"Previously, train frequency exceeded one hour because services had to run in both directions. Based on the data collected, we found that passenger numbers in the opposite direction were very low, so we implemented a one-directional operation during peak hours," he told a press conference on KTM Komuter services in conjunction with Thaipusam at KL Sentral here on Tuesday.
Loke also shared that under the current arrangement, KTM Komuter services from Klang to KL Sentral now operate at 30-minute intervals during morning peak hours, with six trips running until around 9am. Services are then suspended until 4pm to allow construction works to continue.
In the evening, services will operate in the opposite direction, from KL Sentral to Port Klang, as passenger movement is higher in this direction after office hours.
“The whole idea is to expedite the construction process so that the project can be completed sooner,” he added.
On the ongoing issue of cable theft affecting rail services such as the light rail transit (LRT) and mass rapid transit (MRT), Loke said the ministry has had high-level discussions with the Home Ministry and the police to tackle the problem.
"Existing laws need to be enforced, and this must come from PDRM (police). Bukit Aman is taking this issue seriously.
"Stern and proactive measures will be implemented to address the issue, particularly in states and areas identified as hotspots for cable theft," he said.
Loke emphasised that police enforcement remains crucial, while rail operators will also implement additional measures to curb cable theft and minimise service disruptions.
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