Phased Approach to Southern Rail Expansion
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is actively collaborating with contractors and relevant authorities to ensure that the next segment of the Electric Train Service (ETS) extension becomes operational as soon as possible. The company issued a statement to reassure the public of its full commitment to delivering a safe and highly reliable rail service for the southern corridor, following recent media reports regarding the highly anticipated extension to Johor Bahru. The ETS extension in the southern sector is being rolled out in strategic phases, with the line progressing from Segamat, to Kluang, and finally to JB Sentral. KTMB notes that the initial segment to Segamat has been operating successfully since March of this year, which is a positive sign. This first phase has already provided improved travel options and has begun to boost local economic activity along the new route, demonstrating the tangible benefits of this major infrastructure project as it gradually progresses.
Prioritizing Safety and Reliability in Phased Rollout
KTMB has placed a strong emphasis on its main responsibility, which is to guarantee the safety, reliability, and readiness of each new segment before it is officially opened to the public. The company has clarified that the progressive rollout to Segamat, Kluang, and JB Sentral is directly contingent on critical technical milestones and necessary regulatory approvals. This careful and meticulous phased approach is not a sign of a delay, but rather a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and security of its passengers. To this end, trial runs are currently underway on the segment to Kluang, which is a crucial step in the process of thoroughly testing and validating every aspect of the new line. This measured strategy ensures that the entire system, from signaling to track integrity, is robust and fully functional, thereby guaranteeing a smooth, modern, and transformative rail service for the region’s commuters.
Reassuring the Public and Looking Ahead
In its official statement, KTMB extended its heartfelt gratitude to passengers, local stakeholders, and the public for their continued patience and support throughout the expansion process. The company reiterated its full commitment to making ETS travel to the south a resounding success. This phased approach allows KTMB to prioritize safety and effectively manage the complex technical and logistical challenges that accompany a project of this scale, while also ensuring a smooth integration of the new services. By keeping the public informed and thanking them for their support, KTMB is working to build confidence in the project’s long-term vision. The company’s focus is on providing a dependable, modern, and highly beneficial rail service that will not only connect communities but also contribute significantly to the economic vitality and overall development of the southern corridor for years to come.
