By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 18: The Yellow Line connecting Moyan to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) will be included after the completion of the first phase of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.
Sarawak Minister of Transport (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said this in response to the planned Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) network expansion to Batu Kawa proposed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Given Batu Kawa’s high population density, it serves as an ideal location for the second phase of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, as it promises high ridership and provides a crucial solution for transportation needs as it is connected to SGH, extending to the city of Kuching.
“This proposed (Yellow Line) alignment will connect Moyan to SGH, addressing connectivity needs in areas currently under-served,” said Lee.
As of October this year, the overall progress for the KUTS Phase 1 stands at 25.8 per cent inclusive of design and engineering works, system works, procurement, land acquisition, and construction work.
According to Lee, there is a total number of nine packages awarded to date—five Infrastructure Package contracts, two System Package contracts, the Bus Integrated System (BIS) contract, and the recently awarded contract to supply Hydrogen Buses.
Meanwhile, construction works for the Rembus Depot, Blue Line, and Red Line that commenced earlier this year are currently in progress with the main building’s foundation works, utility relocation works, and structural works for the stations including the construction of the new ART bridge at Sungai Kuap.
Lee also said that a feasibility study will be carried out for the proposed Bintulu-Samalaju ART project, which is expected to take 12 months. — DayakDaily
