KUALA LUMPUR: The Klang Valley Double Track Phase 2 (KVDT2) upgrading project is expected to be completed as early as 2027, two years ahead of its original schedule, says Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB).
KTMB chief operating officer Afzar Zakariya said the project is aimed at modernising ageing railway infrastructure that has been in operation since 1994.
“The existing infrastructure has been in operation for more than 30 years and needs to be upgraded,” he said during a media tour of the KVDT2 project on Wednesday (May 20).
“Once completed, train operations will be safer and smoother, passengers will enjoy greater comfort, and KTMB will be able to increase train frequency,” he added.
The project involves 265km of double-track railway infrastructure covering the Salak Selatan-Seremban and Abdullah Hukum-Pelabuhan Klang routes.
Afzar said the upgrades would allow the system to support heavier 20-tonne axle loads, up from the current 16-tonne limit, in line with the government’s road-to-rail initiative.
He added that KTM Komuter frequency, currently about 20 minutes, could be increased to 15 minutes, and in some sectors reduced to as low as 7.5 minutes.
To facilitate works, KTMB is operating with only one active track along the 66km stretch between Bandar Tasik Selatan and Seremban during daytime hours.
A nightly full line block from 9.30pm to 5.30am has also been implemented to allow contractors uninterrupted access.
Afzar said the single operational track is shared by KTM Komuter, ETS and cargo services.
“Before this project, KTMB operated around 260 commuter services daily.
“However, due to upgrading works, we had to reduce services and prioritise passengers travelling to and from Kuala Lumpur for work,” he said.
Afzar said the KVDT2 project comprises three key components — track renewal, signalling upgrades and overhead electrical system replacement.
The signalling system is being upgraded from track circuits to axle counter technology, while ballast, sleepers and rails are being replaced.
Meanwhile, Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd deputy project director Manoj Radhakrishnan said one line from Bangi to Seremban has been completed, while works from Bandar Tasik Selatan to Bangi are ongoing.
He said one cargo-capable line along the Pelabuhan Klang route is already operational with 20-tonne axle load capacity.
“With additional support from KTMB and extended work windows, we are compressing the programme for earlier completion,” he said.
Manoj said the upgraded network will help shift freight from roads to rail and ease ETS bottlenecks.
Afzar also noted that cable theft remains a challenge, but said mitigation measures such as deeper cable burial and increased patrols have been implemented.
