Loke: New train service for Pasir Gudang-JB next year
Economy & Business
By Mohamed Farid Noh
PASIR GUDANG: A new passenger train service is set to run along the Pasir Gudang–Kempas Baru corridor next year.
This comes with the recent completion of a RM55 million upgrade to the 40km rail line.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the service, which previously catered exclusively to cargo trains, was being reactivated to ease mounting congestion between Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru.
"KTM Berhad (KTMB) and the Railway Asset Corporation (RAC) have been instructed to introduce a passenger service within the next six to 12 months," he said.
Loke added that at least three stations would be built along the route to serve commuters.
The line reopened today for freight operations following a six-month closure since last October for full rehabilitation, including new drainage, track renewal and safety system upgrades,
Loke said existing KTMB trains would be used temporarily until new rolling stock can be procured.
The process that could take up to three years, he added.
A feasibility study will begin soon to determine the most strategic and safe locations for the train stations, with the ministry also consulting the Johor government.
"The challenge is to ensure that the stations are built quickly, in safe, accessible locations.
"Since much of the rail alignment runs beside major roads, we also need entry and exit points that are efficient," Loke said.
On the project's cost, he said estimates would only be finalised after the station locations are confirmed.
"The rail infrastructure has already been upgraded. The cost now lies in constructing the stations and associated facilities."
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