EXCELLENT PROGRESS: The Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrified Double Track Project in Perak is almost 90 per cent complete

Construction work on the Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrified Double Track Project (EDTP) in Perak will be completed six months ahead of schedule.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the EDTP development in Perak is almost 90 percent complete.

"The overall project in four states involving Perak, Selangor, Penang and Kedah, is at 82 per cent completion and is expected to be ready by November 2014.

"The construction work in Perak, however, will be completed six months earlier," said Kong after officiating the completion of six Road Over Bridge (ROB)s under the EDTP here recently.

Present were MMC-Gamuda JV director Datuk Mohd Nor Idrus and Perak Public Works Department (PWD) director Datuk Dr Safry Karnal Ahmad.

Kong said the six ROBs, which cost RM100 million, were part of 65 ROBs, to be built along the 329-km track.

He said the bridges were designed to ease traffic flow and reduce travelling time for commuters on the railway as well as on the roads.

"Road over bridges, road under bridges, rail bridges and marine viaducts have been incorporated at intersecting routes.

"This eliminates the need to stop traffic and allows smooth-flow of commuters on both the train and motor transport systems."

Kong pointed out that the transport service would also improve in terms of speed and safety due to this.

"Construction for the EDTP was based on the latest standard safety specifications under the Road Safety Audit. Altogether, the cost has come up to some RM1 billion."

'He said upon completion, roadways would be handed over to PWD for management and maintenance.

Kong said eight out of the 22 ROBs in Perak had been completed and handed to PWD.

He expressed hope for more people to choose the railway service as their preferred mode of transport once the EDTP opens.

"The train service is known to be the safest method of commuting. Using the train service will enable the public to travel comfortably and fast across long distances. This will also reduce traffic congestion on roads.

"This is also better for the environment as there will be lesser carbon emission," said the minister.