Ng: Proposed rail connectivity expected to have economic spillovers for the state.
The proposed Selangor Kita Rail Line connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Sungai Pelek in Sepang and Tanjung Sepat in Kuala Langat is expected to take 10 years to complete once it receives the go-ahead from the government.
State investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han said the proposed 210km rail line could reduce travel time by an hour for those travelling from Sabak Bernam to KLIA as compared to those travelling by road.
“If this rail proposal receives approval from the Federal Government and the state government finalises an appropriate financing model, the estimated construction period for the Selangor Rail Corridor will be 10 years, implemented in phases,” he said.
The phases, he said, comprised initial design and public display; application for the conditional railway scheme to Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and related bodies; public consultation and feedback; preparation of detailed design; tender implementation process; land acquisition and land dispute processes; construction and system integration; besides testing and certification of the project.
He was replying to Rajiv Rishyakaran’s (PH-Bukit Gasing) question on the project’s progress, at the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam.
Ng said engagement sessions between the state government and Transport Ministry had been carried out for feedback and input.
The proposed rail project was expected to have economic spillovers for the state, as it would also connect to key logistics hubs such as Port Klang and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, he noted.
The development, he said, would also help integrate the local economy with larger metropolitan areas as well as boost trade, industrial development and businesses, and provide market access.
“For example, the northern Selangor region, which produces significant agricultural output, will benefit from logistics and transport through rail services that can reduce transportation cost and improve market access.
“The southern corridor, a focal point for industrial development, will connect local areas to KLIA.
“The development of the rail corridor will provide substantial benefits through better transport connectivity with existing public transport and other rail services such as MRT, LRT, KTM Komuter and KLIA Express, improving passenger transport efficiency and stimulating the rail industry by creating job opportunities,” Ng added.
