KUALA LUMPUR: MMC Corporation Bhd and Gamuda Bhd have resubmitted an alternative proposal for the MRT3 (Circle Line) at a lower cost than the initial price tag submitted to the government.
MMC Group managing director Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the new proposal was submitted end of last year.
“The alternative proposal will be different than the earlier one. We propose (for the construction) to be done in phases at a lower price. We want to give an alternative to the government at a cheaper price.
“We don’t have to do the entire circle in one go but rather do it in phases and we don’t have to substitute the underground construction to an elevated one. But it will meet the requirements of connecting all 7 (transportation) systems, connecting the high density ones first and saving the rest for future developments,” Che Khalib told reporters after MMC’s annual general meeting here today.
Affin Hwang Capital said today that the estimated RM20 billion Klang Valley MRT Line 3 (MRT3) and RM32 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) projects could be revived.
It said MMC’s partner Gamuda was proposing to reduce the cost of the MRT3 by at least half from the previous estimate of RM45 billion, while the PTMP was pending approval by government authorities.
On the difference between the new and the earlier proposals, Che Khalib said instead of separate lines, there will be interconnecting stations linking all the lines for easier commute.
“The MRT3 is an important line as without it, it will be an incomplete transportation line which should complete MRT1 and MRT2 lines as well as all other rail transportation.
Also known as the Circle Line, the proposed line skirts the edges of Kuala Lumpur City Centre and is believed to feature 11 stops running through densely-populated areas.
Key stops include Ampang Jaya, Jalan Bukit Bintang, the Tun Razak Exchange, Bandar Malaysia at Sungai Besi, Kerinchi, Pusat Bandar Damansara at Damansara Heights, Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas, and Sentul.