Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT extensions behind schedule, to complete in 2016

The construction of the Ampang and Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension lines have been delayed by nearly 20% but Putrajaya insisted it will not contribute to a hike to its original cost of RM8 billion.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also the Finance Minister, said as of August 30 this year, only 41.5% work has been completed, although it should be at 66.31% according to the original schedule.

The delay will result in the completion date being pushed to the first quarter of 2016, said Najib.

"The delays were caused by problems that arise when construction work was about to start.

"These include technical problems like the presence of underground cables and pipes which have to be moved before the construction of LRT support structures, difficulties in getting accurate information on the location of the undergound cables and pipes, the design changes to support structures after taking into account the suitability and actual condition of the land and geology at the construction site," he said in a written parliamentary reply to Tony Pua (DAP - Petaling Jaya Utara) today.

Najib said the delay was to ensure all the technical problems can be resolved as safety of commuters is important.

He said no extra cost was incurred as a result of the delay because the contract was awarded to the contractor via open tender.

TRC Synergies’s subsidiary Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd (TRC) won the RM950 million contract for the construction of the extension of the Kelana Jaya Line. The project spans 17km along 13 new stations from the Kelana Jaya station to Putra Heights.

While Bina Puri-Tim Sekata JV was appointed to implement the 17.7km route extension to the Ampang Line that will also create 13 new stations.

Upon completion, the two lines will connect at the Putra Heights station, forming a complete rail system in the Klang Valley.

The Kelana Jaya line extension will increase passenger capacity up to 98,000 during peak hours, while the extended Ampang line can cater to 79,800 passengers.

However, the contract of TRC Synergies have been suspended after its construction equipment fell off the railtrack in Subang in March this year, killed a motorist. - September 30, 2013.

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