KUALA LUMPUR – The new and improved new automated people mover – also known as the aerotrain – is near completion and expected to be delivered to Malaysia next year, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke as he shared some first look of the train which is being installed in China.
In an Instagram video, he said the aerotrain for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will sport a more spacious interior and bigger windows for passenger comfort while the limited chairs in each car are designed for the elderly.
“I’m at the installation factory in Wuhu, China, which is a joint venture between Alstom and the CRRC company. I was briefed that the first aerotrain set has three cars and is about 90% complete.
“I hope Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is able to resolve its contract issue with the [previous] contractor so that the aerotrain service at KLIA can be restored as soon as possible.”
The aerotrain service connects KLIA’s main terminal building to its satellite terminal. For now, passengers are ferried between the two terminals by buses.
In March, MAHB said it had started the aerotrain replacement programme in 2022 as the original aerotrain was at the end of its life since it started some 25 years ago.
On August 16, MAHB cancelled the RM742.95 million agreement awarded to Pestech International Bhd (PTSB) for the construction and provision of the aerotrain as the company failed to meet the stipulated project timeline.
The project was awarded to Pestech in December 2021 following a competitive tender process, MAHB said in its statement.
“Pestech has been found to be in material breach of its obligations under the contract and has failed to remedy the same within the specified time period.”
The decision to terminate the contract stems from various factors, notably PTSB’s inability to fulfil its obligations, resulting in substantial setbacks at crucial project milestones.
Among others, MAHB said the termination is due to PTSB’s non-performance, which compromised significant project milestones and risked delays in delivering the project within the required deadline. – October 22, 2023