Six years, RM10.8 billion needed to get lines connecting Kuching, Serian and Samarahan operational
Abang Johari shows the proposed routes of the LRT connecting Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions as Awang Tengah (second left) and Abdul Aziz look on.
KUCHING: The Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines connecting Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions are expected to be operational by 2024.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said three of the total six lines had been identified for immediate implementation of the rail transit system while the remaining lines would be implemented at a later stage.
He announced that the three lines that would be implemented are Line One: Kota Samarahan to Sungai Batu to Damai; Line Two: Serian to Senari; and Line Three: City Dispersal Line.
He said the route of Line One covers 48 per cent of current travel demands for Kuching City and is approximately 62.4km in length with 28 stations.
The line will start at Rembus in Kota Samarahan, where the depot is proposed, and end at Damai via Sungai Batu.
The chief minister said the Line Two route, which covers 30 per cent of current travel demand for Kuching City, is approximately 82km in length with 26 stations.
“The line will start at Serian via Siburan and will terminate at Senari, and will have an interchange station with Kota Samarahan-Damai option at the Simpang Tiga roundabout,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
He said Line Three is approximately 10.8km in length with 13 stations, adding that the proposed city dispersal line would 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 estimated duration for the construction of these three lines is approximately five years, depending on the procurement strategy and also allowing for long lead items such as Rolling Stock (trains) manufacture and delivery,” he said.
The chief minister said the total construction cost for the three lines would be about RM10.8 billion and implementation would begin immediately upon the completion of the detailed study which would begin after the official announcement of the three lines.
He said a government-linked company, called Sarawak Metro, had been registered to manage the LRT system.
He stressed that the aim of having the LRT system is to realise efficient mobility in Kuching; creating economic opportunities, enabling trade and facilitating access to markets and services while at the same time transforming Kuching into a more dynamic and competitive city, as well as create more jobs.
“The three LRT lines are expected to create a total of 20,919 jobs once in full operation.
“Besides, the LRT will traverse and link dense residential areas, businesses, industrial areas, tourist hotspots and new transit oriented developments (TOD), thus driving the economic development in Kuching.
“The TOD along the corridor will be examined and incorporated in line with the state development plans,” he elaborated.
He believes that the development of the LRT is also expected to provide benefits in terms of time saving, monetary savings due to lower annual vehicle operating costs and creating job opportunities, amongst others.
Present at the press conference were deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Hussain.