Hotel construction projects believed to be cause of Bandaraya LRT overpass structure cracking

KUALA LUMPUR - The damages to the overpass and pillars near the Bandaraya LRT station is believed to be caused by works at a hotel construction site nearby.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the damage resulted in the suspension of services between the Masjid Jamek LRT station and the Bandaraya LRT station since Jan 27.

He said it was based on the results of a detailed investigation conducted by the Arup Jururunding Sdn Bhd engineering consultancy under the supervision of a special committee comprised of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Public Works Department (JKR), Occupational Safety and Health Department (Dosh) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS).

"Prasarana reserves the right to take legal action against the responsible party.

"We are aware of the difficulties faced by the passengers and we apologise for all the difficulties,” he said in a press conference, here, on Wednesday.

Loke explained the works on the site were carried out without any consultation with Apad under the Railways (Railway Protection Zone) Regulations 1998 [P.U (A) 367].

To solve the issue, Prasarana was currently in the process of appointing a contractor to carry out the repair work which will start in early March and is expected to take up to seven months.

"This period includes two months for temporary repair works to strengthen the structure and five month for comprehensive repair works.

"The repair work will take time because the investigations show the damage to the affected structure poses a very serious safety risk,” he said.

Loke said Prasarana will take mitigating steps to reduce service disruptions for users.

When the Putrajaya MRT line is opened completely, users of the Ampang/Sri Petaling line will have an alternative route to travel to the city centre via the interchange stations such as Chan Sow Lin, Titiwangsa and Sungai Besi.

While repair works are being carried out, alternative services that have been introduced since Jan 27 including intermediate bus services will continue.