KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor state government is set to embark on a new railway project that will connect its coastal districts, with the aim of promoting public transportation usage over personal vehicles.
While tabling the state’s Budget 2024, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the “Jajaran Rel Kita Selangor” rail line would establish connections between Klang, Kuala Selangor, Tg Karang and Sabak Bernam. The project is also considering potential routes, including one from Kuang to Kuala Selangor.
In addition, the project will also aid in developing areas along Selangor’s coast, including Kapar, Jeram, Kuala Selangor, Tg Karang, Sekinchan and Sabak – up until the borders of Perak.
Amirudin said the state government will allocate RM3 million to conduct feasibility research for the project.
It will take into consideration the aspects of service, rail tracks, locomotive types, connectivity to available routes, as well as support systems in ensuring optimum and cost-efficient usage of stations.
For the 2024 state budget, Amirudin has proposed a RM2.53 billion spending plan, of which RM1.33 billion (52.6%) is for operational expenditure and RM1.2 billion (47.4%) is for development expenditure.
Selangor’s budget for 2023 was RM2.45 billion, of which RM1.25 billion was for operational expenditure and RM1.2 billion was for development expenditure.
Meanwhile, the menteri besar said RM5 million will be allocated to intensify efforts to optimise the use of Smart Selangor buses, as well as the addition of vans and minibuses through demand-responsive transit services.
Another RM3 million will be allocated to fund a pilot project by the Shah Alam City Council for a pedestrian walkway containing safety features, ventilation and solar panel functions.
It is set to stretch from the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building to the Shah Alam city centre.
“The state government is preparing the process of identifying suitable and optimal locations to create similar footpaths, to encourage more Selangorians to use public transport,” Amirudin said. – November 10, 2023