he Electrified Double Track railway Project (EDTP) in the northern district of Malaysia is effectively changing the face of rail transportation in the region. With the new Electrified Train System (ETS), commuters can now enjoy the 325km journey in just half the time for interstate travel. This has triggered a positive impact on tourism with increased number of visitors and businesses within the connecting areas seeing a boost in income.
Connecting Malaysia ports to Indochina, the faster and more efficient mode of transportation have also provided a more profitable alternative for businesses to transport goods.
The project was divided into three phases:
Ipoh-Padang Besar
Electrified Double Track from Ipoh to Padang Besar is a government project to improve rail transport standards in Malaysia and also allows people to enjoy the public transportation system in a faster, safer and in comfort at a reasonable price.
Seremban-Gemas
The Seremban – Gemas Double Track Project is expected to increase the capacity of the rail to ten times from the existing capacity . The rail service would be faster , safer and more comfortable.
Gemas-Johor Bahru
The government has agreed to upgrade the 197km single track from Gemas to Johor Bahru in 2000. The planning includes determining the range and scope of work . EDTP GJB is a continuation of the Singapore – Kunming Rail Link.
Sources
Railway Technology. Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrified Railway Project, Malaysia
New Straits Times. Construction of Gemas-JB electrified double tracking project to begin by year-end. 2016
OPUS. Electrified Double Track Project (Malaysia).
2T. Electrified Double Track Project Ipoh-Padang Besar MMC-Gamuda
Gamuda. Electrified Double Track Railway.
Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD). EAST COAST RAIL LINE (ECRL) PROJECT
