By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 21: Construction of the Simpang Tiga Interchange Station, set to be the largest interchange in the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) network project, is currently at the preparation stage with satisfactory progress.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin explained that the Simpang Tiga Interchange Station will integrate the Red Line from Kuching Central to Pending and the Blue Line from Rembus to Hikmah Exchange, allowing passengers to switch lines during their journey.
“The preparation work on the Simpang Tiga project site (SR10) are ongoing, with hoarding works 90 per cent completed, and a wash through system installed.
“Other work progress includes earth filling works for the first layer (50 per cent), earth cutting works (20 per cent), bored pile (3.1 per cent) and various testing works,” he told a press conference when officiating the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) Red Line Project’s integrated project management and workforce living quarters base along New Airport Road here today.
The preparation work will pave the way for major construction activities involving road widening, viaducts, utilities relocation and protection as well as architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and other external and landscape works.
The proposed Simpang Tiga Interchange Station is part of the Red Line ART project under the KUTS.
The project is a joint venture between Sri Datai Construction (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, JT JV Builders Sdn Bhd and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Construction (M) Sdn Bhd.
Earlier, the Minister visited the Simpang Tiga Interchange Station (SR10) project site to inspect the ongoing preparation works.
Construction work for the RM943 million Red Line project commenced on April 1 this year, with target completion by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Red Line, spanning 12.3 kilometres from Kuching Central to Pending with seven stations, will be integrated with the 27.6-kilometre Blue Line from Rembus to Hikmah Exchange, which has 15 stations.
Together, they form Phase 1 of the KUTS project, which also includes the 30-kilometre Green Line from Pending to Damai Central with nine stations.
In total, the three lines comprise a nearly 70-kilometre route network.
Lee stressed that it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the Ministry, agencies, consultants and contractors, to monitor the project closely and ensure its timely delivery.
“We seek cooperation from all agencies and departments including the utility companies to prioritise this project. This is not only to ensure the project’s completion but also to minimise inconvenience to the public,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Ts Mazli Mustaffa, and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) general manager Datu Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir were among those present. — DayakDaily
