Benefits and challenges of the Gemas-Johor Baru Railway Electrified Double-Tracking Project


Graphic: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute/The Star

In contrast to big ticket items such as the East Coast Railway Link and the Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail that have been called into question in recent months, the relatively low-profile Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double-Tracking Project (EDTP) is making steady progress and is scheduled for completion by October 2022.

The RM9.5bil EDTP involves replacing the current single rail line with a double track and laying electrical cabling along a 197km stretch of track. Beyond allowing more trains to ply the route, these upgrading works will enable diesel-powered trains to be replaced with faster electrical equivalents. The Gemas-Johor Baru EDTP is the final piece of the existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) network to be upgraded and, once complete, there will be a continuous connection running from the southern tip of the peninsula all the way to Padang Besar on the Thai border.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
KTMB , Johor Baru , railways

Next In Letters

A doctor's pledge: Reaching out to every child in Malaysia
Newly introduced SST ‘tax on tax’ needs urgent review
Malaysia’s sovereignty upheld with resolution of Sulu claim
Malaysia’s agricultural cooperatives need to evolve
Aim for a weather-resistant ringgit
Police must step out to accept reports from the public
Ombudsman agency could strengthen integrity in civil service
Health Ministry should focus on its own problems �
Reject Israel’s defiance of international law
Call for universal compassion across species

Others Also Read