By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 1: Kuching’s long-awaited ART pilot operations are moving a step closer with the arrival of the first two trains under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the arrival marked a significant milestone for the KUTS project, signalling its transition from the construction phase to system integration and operational preparations.
He said the project had also recorded encouraging progress across its infrastructure, including the ART alignment, stations, depots and supporting systems.
“The priority now is to ensure that all infrastructure, systems, trains and operational arrangements are at their best before pilot operations are carried out.
“We want to ensure that the services introduced later are safe, efficient and reliable for the people,” he said in his speech at the Signing Ceremony for the SM07 The NorthBank IBRACO Station Naming Rights Agreement here today.
Lee said the development of Phase 1 of the Hydrogen Production Plant at the Rembus Depot and its related facilities was also progressing smoothly.
He said the facility would serve as a key component supporting the operation of ART trains powered by green hydrogen.
“Once completed and operational, the plant will be capable of producing up to one tonne of green hydrogen per day to support the pilot and initial operations of ART services,” he said.
The KUTS project is being developed as Sarawak’s modern public transport system, with the ART forming a key component of the network.
With the first two trains now in Kuching, preparations are focused on integrating the trains with the wider system and ensuring the necessary infrastructure and operational arrangements are ready ahead of the pilot phase. — DayakDaily
