ISKANDAR PUTERI: The long-awaited Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Rail Project (EDTP) is now 99.94% ready, with full completion expected by the end of this month.
Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh (pic) said the RM8.9bil project, which began physical construction on Dec 1, 2016, covers a 192km stretch across Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Baru.
He added that final works are ongoing before the line becomes fully operational.
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"As the project progresses, the electric train service (ETS) has been activated in stages to benefit the public," he told N. Saraswati (BN-Kemelah) during the state assembly meeting here on Friday (Nov 21).
Saraswati had asked when the ETS project from Segamat to Johor Baru is expected to be fully completed and begin operations.
Fazli added that the rollout began on March 15 when the ETS commenced operations up to Segamat, with four daily trips.
He said the service was extended to Kluang on Aug 30, offering two trips per day; while two additional trips on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays were introduced from Oct 10 to meet increasing weekend demand.
He added that ETS operations to Johor Baru will begin in December, once the EDTP is completed.
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"A total of 12 ETS trips will be offered daily under the full service schedule – eight trips on the Kuala Lumpur-Johor Baru route, two on the Johor Baru-Padang Besar route, and two on the Johor Baru-Butterworth route," he said.
Fazli said the project would have a significant impact on daily commuters, students, workers, businesses and communities along the corridor, including Segamat, Kluang, Layang-Layang, Kulai and Johor Baru.
"With faster, more comfortable and cost-effective travel options, the service will provide the public with greater mobility choices," he added.
Fazli said the expansion of the ETS network to Johor Baru would also strengthen the southern region’s economy through increased tourism activity, higher investment interest and more efficient trade and logistics connectivity.
"Overall, this project is a catalyst for Johor’s socioeconomic development, positioning Johor Baru as a strategic transport hub and economic gateway," he said.
