Construction of MRT reaches 61.9%

KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project has reached 61.9%, said MRT Corp Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar.

He said the construction of the tunnel has also been completed and the underground work, including the building of the station, has reached 76%, which exceeded the target of 74%.

"This progress was achieved due to the efficiency and close cooperation of the workers," he told reporters at a ceremony to commemorate the completion of the tunnel work here today.

Shahril said the construction of the line from Sungai Buloh to Jalan Semantan was expected to be completed by the end of next year and from Jalan Semantan to Kajang by July 2017.

He said MRT Corp would hold a three-month public display for phase two of the project starting middle of May in 15 selected locations.

"MRT Corp expects to get the approval of the Land Public Transport Commission to build the project -- Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya line -- after the public display.

"Work is expected to start in the first quarter of next year," he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Phesal said the MRT would help lift KL to become an international standard city.

"The MRT will encourage the use of public transportation which will bring benefits like helping commuters save costs, easing traffic congestion and the reducing the risks of accidents," he said. 

The MRT project would benefit the Klang Valley residents and reduce the traffic congestion, he said.
The 51-km first phase of MRT runs from Sungai Buloh to Kajang. It will have 31 stations and will benefit 1.2 million commuters. - Bernama