The final package of the Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking and electrification project is expected to be completed in 2016, said Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha.

He said the double-tracking and electrification project between Ipoh-Padang Besar will be completed by the end of 2013 and the Seremban-Gemas line by next year.

“We have finished the double-tracking and electrification project from Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh and also from Kuala Lumpur-Seremban. At the moment, the Seremban-Gemas route is almost 80 percent complete.

“For the Ipoh-Padang Besar project, I think it is about 70 percent complete,” he told reporters after the launch of the 33rd Asean Railway Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Conference 2011 in Kuala Lumpur today.

Meanwhile, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) president Dr Aminuddin Adnan aid the company had purchased 38 train sets from China.

“The first six-car train sets arrived last month and another eight sets will be delivered by year-end. All 38 sets will be in Malaysia by May next year,” he said.

He said the government has allocated RM1.895 billion to purchase the train sets.

Aminuddin said KTMB also had sent its staff to observe the Mecca Metro from last year and aims to venture into more business opportunities by collaborating with other countries.

He also said through this initiative, the staff would gain more knowledge and experience.

- Bernama