Mayor: No new highway projects in KL until 2040

Mahadi (centre) with Azmi (left) and Nor Fajariah at the launch of PITKL2040 in Menara DBKL 1.

NO NEW highway projects will be allowed in Kuala Lumpur until 2040, thanks to a traffic master plan that aims to boost the use of public transport in the nation’s capital.

The plan, called “PITKL2040” by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), will focus on connecting existing highways and upgrading current roads.

Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said there were 50 possible connections as well as nine major roads that needed widening.

“These projects, if undertaken, will help to better disperse traffic in Kuala Lumpur,” he said during the master plan launch at Menara DBKL 1 in Jalan Raja Laut.

Among roads that are due for an upgrade are Jalan Sentul Pasar, Jalan Dutamas 2, Jalan Segambut Dalam, Jalan Duta Kiara and Jalan Sri Penchala.

Elaborating on the rationale to limit the construction of new highways, the mayor said such projects often brought more traffic into the city.

“We cannot keep building such roads, but we must find sustainable ways to manage and accommodate traffic,” he added.

Mahadi said PITKL2040 would give more focus on enhancing public transportation networks such as buses and trains, as well as building more park-and-ride facilities.

He noted that engagement sessions were being planned with several other government agencies and ministries to oversee the matter.

“This is to increase the ratio of public transport to personal vehicle usage from 25:75 currently to 50:50 in 2025.

“By 2035, we aim to achieve a 60:40 ratio and improve that to 70:30 by 2040,” he said, adding that this would help to lower carbon emission.

Relating further on the traffic master plan, Mahadi said it also comprised an advanced system to simulate traffic conditions in a particular locality.

This was designed using the existing data on zoning types, development intensity, railways and transit systems.

“This system allows DBKL to plan better and review the impacts of upcoming developments before giving its approval.

“It also enables us to fine-tune any proposal and better explain the situation to concerned local residents,” the mayor added.

Also present were DBKL executive director (Socioeconomy Development) Datuk Azmi Abd Hamid and Infrastructure Planning Department director Nor Fajariah Sulaiman.