No extra costs despite delay in ART project, says Sarawak
The first phase of the autonomous rapid transit system is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with operations beginning next year. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA : Despite a slight delay in the implementation of Sarawak's autonomous rapid transit (ART) project, no additional costs have been incurred by the state government, says state transport minister Lee Kim Shin.
Responding in the state assembly to Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan), Lee said any delays caused by the contractor would be subject to liquidated ascertained damages, which were a standard practice in contract management, Dayak Daily reported.
'The minor delay has not caused any cost overrun up to this stage,' he said.
Lee said contractors involved in the ART project must submit and execute a mitigation plan if there were any delays.
As to the overall cost of the Kuching Urban Transportation System, he said the Green Line package has not been awarded yet while the Yellow Line was not under the first phase of the project.
'As for the request on the cost of packages that have already been awarded, it will be provided to (Chong) in writing since he has submitted questions for a written reply on the same matter,' he said.
To help alleviate its public transportation woes, the Sarawak government opted for an ART system to cover a 52km-route through Kuching using driverless tram-like coaches running on rubber tyres and powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with operations beginning next year.
The vehicles will run at street level on dedicated trackless lanes, with each vehicle capable of carrying up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 70 km/h.
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