SJ Echo recently caught up with officials from Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (SPNB), the concessionaire for the Kelana Jaya LRT lines which will cover the route from the KTM Komuter station right up to Putra Heights. Our objective was to get an update from SPNB on the progress of the plan to build the LRT lines into Subang Jaya-USJ-Putra Heights and to also to shed some light on their plans.
We posed many questions and below are extracts of the questions posed and the answers provided by the officials from SPNB who have also kindly shared with us some visuals of the route proposed and some features of the LRT line when completed.
QUESTION: Has SPNB submitted the proposed LRT project to the Selangor State Government? When was this submitted?
ANSWER. Discussions/submissions/dialogues/briefings have been continuous since the Public Display process started in September and ended in December 2009. Various technical submissions including the full project alignment with station locations have been submitted since early 2010. The Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) chaired by Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim summoned us for many meetings since early 2010 with the latest in July 2010 to resolve the various issues raised by the residents.
QUESTION: When are you expected to start the project?
ANSWER: We can start the project by early 2011 if the state government, local authorities and other agencies like the DOE can give us the full approval for the alignment and station locations. This will of course be subject to all existing laws, regulations and conditions imposed.
QUESTION: Once you get the green light to begin, what is the expected time frame for completion?
ANSWER: From date of award we expect to complete both line extension projects in 36 months (based on optimistic approach by end 2013). The commercial operations can begin early 2014.
QUESTION: What's the status of the Kelana Jaya-KTM Subang Jaya route? How soon can you start and what’s the date of completion? Will this be operational once complete regardless of whether the other route KTM-Putra Heights is yet to be built?
ANSWER: Both lines are to start simultaneously. Of course, if the Kelana Jaya Extension Line faces bigger issues then we will launch the Ampang Extension LIne first.
QUESTION: What's being considered for the passageway between Saujana Regency Service Apartments-Empire Hotel? How will the proposed elevated tunnel passage reduce noise pollution and disturbance to the occupants/owners of both buildings?
ANSWER: The distance of the guideway at the closest point to the corner of the condo building is 6.3 meters (best practice as imposed by Department of Railways is 6 meters). As mentioned in many meetings an elevated tunnel-type noise barrier will be built. The noise level would meet residential requirements as imposed by DOE although this is a commercial zone.
QUESTION: Where are your proposed stations including your park and ride facilities?
ANSWER: Map is attached. There will be 5 park and ride facilities along selected stations where land is available.
QUESTION: What's the general plan for shuttle buses to reduce traffic flow at stations?
ANSWER: As we receive additional funds to procure more buses exceeding 2000 units by 2012 (currently 1100) the feeder bus services will be upgraded. However, it cannot function like a taxi especially during off-peak hours. Shuttle or feeder buses will play a major role as there can never be enough parking bays for commuters. Riders are also encouraged to walk, cycle and pool cars to stations.
QUESTION: SPNB had conducted many meet the people sessions eg RAs, interest groups, NGOs and elected representatives to explain the project. What's the general feedback?
ANSWER: The general feedback is very positive. However, as always they remain the silent majority while the smaller opposing groups become more prominent, fully utilizing the various media tools. The “not-in-my-backyard” universal syndrome is expected.
QUESTION: The route along Persiaran Jengka btw SS14-SS18-Kesas Wall. How are you planning to route your lines to minimise disturbance to residential houses along the route especially those at SS14/1-SS14/7G-SS14/8G? Is the plan to cut across the Kesas Highway from Persiaran Jengka or are you planning to go along the embankment of the Kesas Highway?
ANSWER: We base our alignment on the “least resistance “approach and try to minimize all negative impact pertaining to noise, vibrations, land and property acquisition etc. A technical presentation is required by our engineers to explain the details.
QUESTION: The project is expected to take 36 months. How can the public give you feedback or channel their complaints?
ANSWER: We have set up a team to handle all communication matters. Before the start of construction, pamphlets will be sent out to all affected residents and relevant stakeholders for contact and feedback purposes. Action will be taken to rectify all complaints and concerns.
QUESTION: Can you share with us your traffic management study and environmental impact assessment (if this exists) for the whole project?
ANSWER: All traffic management studies and EIA reports have been deposited with the local authorities. Residents should contact them directly. We cannot deal with individuals on regulatory matters and conditions imposed on us by the relevant agencies as this will create more chaos to the whole process.
QUESTION: There have been counter-suggestions on the routing of your lines in Putra Heights. What's the suggestion and is this viable?
ANSWER: SPNB is fully convinced of the chosen alignment as it is based on facts, data and logic. We have examined the alternative alignments suggested but the basis is not convincing.
QUESTION: During the construction period, will you be working closely with the Subang Jaya Municipal Council and other local agencies to ensure all Federal and State guidelines are adhered to? Will there be a joint council to monitor and supervise the construction?
ANSWER: As a 100% Government owned company, we are fully accountable to all regulatory agencies, MPs, NGOs, RAs, ADUN, media etc. Monitoring will be done by the relevant agencies and others who feel responsible for their respective residential areas. We welcome all to take joint responsibility. We of course have our own in-house project teams.
The SPNB spokeperson said the route through the Saujana Residency is very well considered. It is not our objective to create problems, but the fact remains that some residents along the route may be affected as this major project has to run through heavily built-up areas. Unfortunately, we are not given the luxury of early route planning through green areas! The angle we come in provides excellent integration with the existing KTM station which will be further upgraded to interface with our project. What Subang residents will get to enjoy is an excellent transport hub (mini KL Sentral) to cater for the next 100 years. If the multi-billion funding for this line is redeployed to other areas which are pleading for a LRT connection (eg Cheras and Sri Kembangan) due to the opposition from a few residents, then Subang folks have to face tremendous congestion (mini Bangkok/Jakarta)a long every road that exisits since you cannot stop further high density development on limited private land in the Subang Jaya/PJ/Shah Alam vicinity.
No comments:
Post a Comment