Ampang LRT repairs until September

KUALA LUMPUR: Repairs to the serious structural damage on part of the Ampang LRT line near the Bandaraya station are expected to be completed in September at the earliest, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said asset owner Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is in the process of hiring contractors to carry out repair works, which is also expected to begin in March.

“This period consists of two months of temporary repair works (to strengthen the structure), and five months for comprehensive repair works.

“Repair works will take time because investigations show that the damage on the affected structure has serious safety risks,” said Loke during a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

Loke also said that investigations by Arup Perunding Sdn Bhd, a consultant appointed by Prasarana, showed that three viaduct structures and piers were cracked, believed to have been caused by work related to a proposed 44-storey mixed-development nearby.

In a Prasarana statement yesterday, it said Arup’s investigation was under the supervision of a joint committee consisting of Prasarana, KL City Hall, Public Works Department, Occupational Safety and Health Department, as well as the Irrigation and Drainage Department.Loke also said the errant construction did not obtain approvals from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), even though (the development footprint) was located within a railway protection zone.

“We are disappointed with this incident, where the project was started without APAD’s approval.

“We take this issue seriously because the construction has affected Prasarana’s operations, and it has disrupted hundreds of thousands of passengers every day.

“After thorough investigations are completed, we will see if civil legal action can be taken,” said Loke, who emphasised that any reopening of the stretch will only be done after authorities are fully satisfied that it is totally safe to do so.

On Jan 28, Prasarana halted the Ampang LRT service between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya stations after severe cracks were found on a railway pier next to the latter.