Electric train project linking JB to north faces more delays

Double-track rail segment from Gemas to state capital held up by electrification issues

- Zunaira Saieed

KUALA LUMPUR - The Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-track rail project (Gemas-JB EDTP), which is expected to halve the journey time between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru once it links up with the already up-and-running Padang Besar-Gemas line, has missed yet another deadline.

Initial plans to progressively extend the existing line - that begins at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Padang Besar and travels southwards through Gemas - have met headwinds in Johor's district of Segamat.

Segamat is slated to be the first of a new 11-stop stretch covering major districts in the southernmost state - including Kluang and Kulai - and terminating in Johor Bahru.

The electric train service (ETS) on the 26km stretch from Gemas to Segamat was supposed to commence in October, having already been delayed in July, but missed the deadline for the second time.

Once launched, the stretch would be the first part of the Gemas-JB EDTP, estimated to cost RM9.5 billion (S$2.8 billion).

The most recent delay is due to issues with the electricity supply for running the trains, The Straits Times has learnt.

One official source directly involved in the project said the team is working on the final phase of testing the electrification of the train, and as a result missed the October deadline.