Gemas-JB double tracking project now 85% complete, says transport minister

• Once completed, trains can cover the KL Sentral-JB Sentral route in three hours and 30 minutes at a speed of 140 kph.

KLUANG (Nov 15): The Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Tracking Project is running smoothly and is 85% complete, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pictured) said today.

He said the project is expected to be fully completed in the middle of next year.

“Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is waiting for the completion of a depot in Kempas. Also, we will use the partial completion method to test the electric train service using that track,” he told reporters after inspecting KTM Kluang Station here.

The electrified double-tracking project covers 192 km of tracks going through 11 stations. Once completed, trains can cover the KL Sentral-JB Sentral route in three hours and 30 minutes at a speed of 140 kph.

In addition, Wee, who is also MCA president, said that the previous problem involving a temple here that was facing demolition because of the project had been resolved.

“We always respect the sensitivity of race and religion. On that basis, I have directed the parties concerned not to demolish any part of the temple, including its fence.

“Everyone agreed that this problem was dealt with harmoniously and did not cause any problems,” he said.