core sector communique

Commuter Train Services Commence on New Line Constructed by IRCON in Malaysia.

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha, Minister of Transport Malaysia and Y.A.B Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, Chief Minister of Negeri Sembilan flagged off EMU commuter train at Seremban station in Malaysia to commence services on Seremban-Sungai Gadut section connecting to Klang Valley KTMB Commuter train services. This new line constructed by IRCON International Limited (a Public Sector Undertaking under Ministry of Railways) was earlier commissioned on 30/4/2011 as scheduled at a cost of USD 157.00 Million.

At a public function held at Sungai Gadut station, Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha, Minister of Transport Malaysia congratulated everyone for commendable and good quality work done on the project. He mentioned that it is highly satisfying to note that the station has unique design with all modern amenities to cater various needs of the passengers. Transport Minister Daturk Seri Kong Cho Ha said that the Government will consider reviving the 39 km Seremban-Port Dickson Railway line which has been closed for almost 3 years, if there is demand for the service. He said the Ministry would need to assess the cost involved before making any decision. Kong was responding to a request by Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan that the Federal Government revive the line to promote tourism in Port Dickson.

High Commissioner of India, H.E.Vijay Gokhale, Managing Director of IRCON International Limited, Mr.Mohan Tiwari, Y.B Dr. Aminuddin Adnan, President of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad were amongst the dignitaries who attended the function.

Seremban-Sungai Gadut section is a part of the overall Seremban - Gemas Electrified Double Track Project which is designed for a speed of 160 kmph with operational speed of 140 kmph. The entire project is scheduled to be completed on 16th August’ 2012 which would facilitate running of through trains to Singapore at a operable speed of 140 kmph, thus considerably reducing the journey time from KL to Singapore.