KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has ordered a temporary closure of the railway track between Kempas Baru and Johor Port in Pasir Gudang to facilitate much-needed rehabilitation and upgrading works.
In a statement, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) said extensive urban growth along the railway line has exacerbated drainage issues and placed increased pressure on the surrounding area.
"The 40-kilometre stretch of railway track from Kempas Baru to Pasir Gudang Railway Station, including the yards and the Johor Port line, was originally built in 1983 and has deteriorated over time.
"In addition to needing major repairs to support the growing demands of heavier and faster freight trains, the rehabilitation will also focus on relocating squatters encroaching on the railway reserve and enhancing surface water drainage systems to prevent flooding caused by urban development," it said.
It added that the comprehensive restoration and repair of this track were originally projected to take approximately 24 months without a full closure.
However, it opted for a full closure with rehabilitation work expected to be completed in just six months. KTMB also gave its assurance that it would provide alternative solutions for freight services in the area.
While the upgrading project initially began in 2016 with the 11th Malaysia Plan, it had faced unavoidable delays that prevented its timely completion.
"Despite this, KTM Kargo continued operating the track for Inter-Terminal Transfer (TTT) between the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Pasir Gudang and Port Klang, operating in restrictive movement, limiting trips to four per day though the demand for cargo services is higher," said KTMB chief corporate officer Suhaimi Yaacob.
Earlier, a local daily reported that Apad had ordered the suspension of a cargo railway service that moved thousands of containers each month.
The order came following an inspection by the regulator this week on the railway line between Kempas Baru to Johor Port in Pasir Gudang.
KTMB confirmed that it received the order on Wednesday.