Two more weeks of LRT woes

PETALING JAYA: The Ampang LRT line between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya stations, which has been affected since last Friday, will remain disrupted for another two weeks due to structural damage.

In a statement, Rapid Rail said a comprehensive probe into the structural damage of the cracked viaduct and pier near the Bandaraya station was being carried out.

“An experienced engineering consulting firm has been appointed to carry out the probe to identify the source of the damage, taking into account all possibilities.

“This is necessary to ensure the rectification action plan to be taken,” it said, adding that a special committee comprising Prasarana as well as other agencies such as the Works Department, City Hall and the Land Public Transport Agency had been formed to monitor the probe.

Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his ministry was expecting the line between these two stations to be disrupted for about two weeks.

“Once it is okay and safety is ensured, we will reopen the line between these two stations. I apologise to all commuters who are affected,” he told a press conference in Klang yesterday.

He said there was structural damage in the line between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya LRT stations, adding that there was a minor crack which forced the closure of the route on Jan 27.

However, he said LRT operations were still ongoing in the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya stations and commuters could still travel towards these two stations.

“But if passengers want to travel between Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya, they have to take the shuttle bus,” he said.

Loke said more than 200 Prasarana staff would be assigned to assist commuters as well as conduct repairs on the line.

Asked about the repair cost, Loke said he had not got any information on the matter from Prasarana yet.

“(It’s) because this is an emergency, so I don’t have detailed information. I have asked Prasarana to look into this matter seriously,” he said, adding that more announcements would be made by Prasarana.