KUCHING: The state government will revive plans to implement the Kuching light rapid transit (LRT) project following requests from several quarters.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had in September announced the postponement of the LRT project to concentrate on developing basic amenities in the rural areas.
“However, I have received numerous requests from city councillors and members of the public to reconsider reinstating the LRT project as traffic congestions on some streets and roads are very heavy.
As a result, it is proposed that we consider exploring the development of certain needed segments of the LRT system,” he said in his winding-up speech in the Dewan Undangan Negeri yesterday.
He said the Kota Samarahan-Kuching route may require urgent consideration following complaints that the roads along the route were congested daily, especially during peak hours and as early as 5 am.
Johari said the proposed Kuching LRT system would be based on the latest elevated rail technology which had a much lower capital cost when compared with elsewhere in the country.
The RM10.7 billion LRT project was initially to have operational in 2024.
