KUCHING, 30 march 2018:
The construction of the RM10.7 billion first-of-its-kind Kuching Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is expected to commence by next year and the service scheduled to be operational by 2024.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday said construction would start after a thorough review was conducted based on the current traffic scenario, traffic demand and priority transit corridor.
He said the 155.2km stretch of LRT service consists of three major lines.
Line one refers to Kota Samarahan to Damai via Sungai Batu route – covers 48% of current travel demands for Kuching city, approximately 62.4km in length and connecting 28 stations.
“Line two, the Serian-Senari route, covers 30% of current travel demand for Kuching city. It is approximately 82km in length with 26 stations, starting in Serian via Siburan and terminates at Senari.
“This line will have an interchange station with Kota Samarahan-Damai option at the Simpang Tiga roundabout.”
Meanwhile, the 10.8km Line three refers to the City Disperal Line, connecting 13 stations and it will be an at-grade tram system which can better navigate urban streets, has less intrusive stops and integrates well into the concept of a pedestrianised urban landscape.
The total construction cost of the 62.4km Kota Samarahan-Damai route including rolling stock is estimated at RM4.5 billion, while the 82km Serian-Senari route at RM5.4 billion and the 10.8km City Dispersal Line at RM819 million.
Abang Johari said the LRT envisaged realising efficient mobility in Kuching City – which would create economic opportunities, enabling trade and facilitating access to markets and services.
“At the same time, it will help to transform Kuching into a more dynamic and competitive city, as well as creating more jobs.
“The LRT will create new transit oriented development (TOD), traversing and linking dense residential areas, businesses, industrial areas, tourist hotspots, thus driving the economic development in Kuching,” he said adding that the TOD along the corridor would be examined and incorporated in line with the state development plans.
He pointed out that the LRT service would use the hydrogen fuel cell train technology, which is more cost effective and environmentally friendly.
“This technology is new to the rail industry, and it is anticipated to be the first of its kind to be implemented in this region. The train is environmentally friendly as it utilises hydrogen with the by-products of only water and steam.”
– Bernama