MRT Corp says it saves up to RM400m by using refurbished tunnel boring machines for MRT2

KUALA LUMPUR (March 1): Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) says the refurbishing of its tunnel boring machines (TBMs) has saved up to RM400 million or 15% from what it would cost to purchase new machines for the MRT Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya line (MRT Line 2).

At the launch of the first refurbished TBM for the line at the Bandar Malaysia North Station today, MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar said the project owner opted to refurbish the machines to keep costs low.

"This is the first time we've launched a TBM that has been refurbished. We refurbished eight machines out of the total 12 to be used for the project. This saves us about 10% to 15% in costs, compared to purchasing a new TBM," he said on the sidelines of the event.

Overall, he said MRT Line 2 is at 22% completion. The group hopes to finish the project below the budgeted construction cost of RM32 billion and earlier than the final deadline of 2022.

So far, more than 40 packages have been awarded, worth about RM30 billion in all.

"We are working very hard to stay below budget and to finish ahead of schedule. It's been going good so far. The first phase — from Sungai Buloh to Batu Kentonmen — will be completed by July 2021, and the remaining portion of the line up to Putrajaya will be completed in 2022," said Shahril.

The refurbished TBM was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was joined by MRT Corp chairman Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and Shahril.

The machine launched was a variable density TBM, specifically designed for tunnelling works through the challenging limestone geological formation.

The TBM was the result of cooperation between MMC Gamuda — the underground works contractor for MRT Line 2 — and TBM manufacturer Herrenknecht AG. The machine was built for tunnelling works in the first MRT line.