The government eyes to build a new electrified double-track rail for transporting freight which would by-pass the Klang Valley, reported The Star.

Notably, the new rail connection will divert the trains from three areas, namely Seremban, Port Klang and Serendah.

“This effectively would mean that the trains from the north will be diverted at Serendah and onwards proceed to Port Klang or Seremban. The trains from the south will by-pass the Klang Valley by cutting off at Seremban,” said sources.

The RM9 billion plan is being ironed out among the economic planners of the government, revealed industry sources.

“We could see some development on it given that rail remains a key focus of the government’s transportation policy,” noted an industry player.

“After years of building and improving road networks, rail is now on the agenda to ease traffic congestion and better connect towns to serve future needs.”

Sources noted that the project will be divided into two phases, with the first phase involving the Serendah-Port Klang track.

“The plan is to get this off the ground this year and ready in 2018,” revealed a source.

For the second phase, the government mulls extending the rail line from Port Klang to Seremban, which covers 66 km and to be completed by 2021.

The project will likely be awarded to a design and build concept in which one entity will undertake the design and construction services, said sources.

The country’s sole operator of train and rail commuter services, government-owned KTM Bhd (KTMB) will operate the new freight lines, albeit the possibility of its partnering with another firm is not ruled out.

Source: Property Guru