In yet another blow to the country’s poorly maintained public transportation, those using the Ampang LRT line will have to endure constant disruptions until September.
This was announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke today, who said that the disruptions will occur between the Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations.
Ampang LRT line to disrupted until Sept
Speaking to reporters during a press conference at Parliament, Loke said that repair works to the viaduct and pier structural damage near the Bandaraya LRT station will kickstart in early March and is slated to be completed within seven months.
“This period comprises two months of temporary repair works to strengthen the structure and five months of comprehensive repair works.
These works will take time as investigations showed that the structural damage (constitutes) a very serious safety risk,” he said as quoted by FMT.
Unapproved construction the culprit?
Additionally, Loke said that investigation into the structural damage revealed that it was due to ground movement allegedly caused by the building of a proposed hotel at a site nearby.
He added that the Ministry of Transport is considering taking legal action against the developer for green-lighting the construction without consulting the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
“However, we cannot wait for the compensation from the legal action. Therefore, we have to bear the cost of repairs first. Once we have strong evidence, we will take the necessary legal action,” he said.
Loke said that commuters may opt for alternative transport services provided since Jan 27 between the Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations.
He also said that upon the reopening of the Putrajaya MRT line, Ampang LRT riders can use the MRT line as an alternative by going through interchange stations such as Chan Sow Lin, Titiwangsa and Sungai Besi.
Read about how a TikToker walked 26km back home after the Kelana Jaya LRT line was shut down:
