Kuala lumpur: The project to restore and upgrade the railway track from Gemas, Negeri Sembilan to Mentakab, Pahang, including related works, was fully completed on June 19 at a total cost of RM41.7 million. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the completion of this significant infrastructure project, which commenced in 2016 and faced delays due to severe flood damage and the initial contractor's failure to meet the schedule.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project is crucial for maintaining the East Coast railway route, which traverses Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Kelantan, making it a vital rail artery connecting the East Coast and West Coast through Gemas. Loke emphasized the project's role in improving services and connectivity for communities along the route. Speaking at KTMB Bahau station, he noted Gemas's strategic position as an interchange hub uniting the East and West Coast rail systems.

The completion of the Gemas-Mentakab track, alongside the Gemas-Johor Bahru double-track railway project and the extension of the Electric Train Service (ETS) to Johor Bahru Sentral, marks a significant advancement in the national rail network. The upgraded track can now accommodate loads of up to 20 tonnes per carriage, aligning with the road-to-rail policy to encourage cargo transport by rail.

Loke highlighted that Package B of the project, the Mentakab-Gua Musang stretch, was completed ahead of schedule. However, Package C, the Gua Musang-Tumpat stretch, is delayed due to implementation challenges, including severe flood damage and difficult terrain involving forested areas, interior regions, and landslide-prone slopes.

Furthermore, Loke has directed Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to assess increasing train frequency and synchronizing it with ETS schedules to better serve passenger demand and reduce waiting times. Currently, there are three return trips daily on the Gemas-Kuala Lipis route, with a brief waiting time for passengers transferring to the ETS towards Johor Bahru Sentral.