IPOH: The Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) is considering proposals from two consortiums to build a major transport hub here, says the transport minister.
"We are evaluating which one has the best proposal. We anticipate that the deal can be signed, and the master developer awarded, by the fourth quarter of this year.
"The RFP (request for proposal) proceeded smoothly, with the two consortiums expressing an interest in developing the Railway Assets Corporation land behind Ipoh Railway Station, which we will brand as Ipoh Sentral," Anthony Loke told a press conference here.
He did not say if other companies had also put in proposals for the hub — Ipoh Railway Integrated Development (iRide).
Loke said iRide would serve as a catalyst for growth in the state capital.
He also said the frequency of train services at the current railway station may be increased to meet demand.
RAC has renovated the station to provide greater comfort for passengers.
"An area has been modified to serve as a temporary waiting place for passengers. The larger development is behind that land, where we plan to create an integrated development," Loke said.
The iRide plan, encompassing 78ha, was launched on Oct 10, 2019.
It is a collaboration between RAC and Menteri Besar Incorporated.
The development will be divided into segments, including affordable housing, hotels, educational institutions, commercial spaces, green areas, and mixed-use zones.