The RM383mil project is in the planning stages for sometime by KTM Berhad (KTMB), has now been awarded to Ircon International Limited.

The rail link, a single track with provision for future double track and electrification is scheduled to be completed by January 2002.

Current works on the track are now focussed on survey and soil investigation. Actual construction is expected to begin early next year site possession.

KTMB senior officials, who visited PTP last Wednesday, described the detailed project implementation schedule, the current progress of physical works and operational plans.

The delegation from KTMB was led by its exco chairman Datuk Mohd Nor Idrus.

According to KTMB general manager (freight services) Abdul Radzak Malek, the rail-link will facilitate inter-terminal transfer from PTP to Pasir Gudang Port.

He said it also will be linked to the Malaysia-Thailand landbridge, moving containerised cargo from PTP to Bangkok and vice-versa.

"It will cater for repositioning of empty boxes and distribution between PTP and Port Klang and PTP and Penang.

"KTMB has the capacity of operating between six and eight services daily once the link is completed, including two train loads to Bangkok," he said.

PTP, which will begin commercial operations in January 2000, has scheduled for their full Phase One completion in mid 2001.

With this rail link ready by January 2002, PTP look all set to receive rail from Southern Thailand and other states in Peninsula Malaysia from as soon as six months after their full completion date.

With the pending completion of this rail link, PTP, designed to be the region's premier transhipment hub, is currently looking at offering shippers in Southern Thailand and the northern states of Peninsula Malaysia cost competitive options in sending their cargo to PTP.

The rail linkage will also complete PTP's distribution network, which currently includes an excellent road network to Singapore and to the North-South Expressway and air connections through nearby Changi and Senai International airports.

These linkages will translate to cost savings to local shippers and also a substantial decrease in local cargo leakage to other regional ports.

Strategically located on the tip of south-west Peninsular Malaysia in Johor, PTP offers shipping lines a minimum diversion time of about 30-45 minutes from the world's busiest international shipping lanes.

PTP's major advantages include its competitive rates, linkages to a vast and bustling hinterland, its state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all designed to cater for super post panamax vessels.

Key facilities currently being constructed in PTP's Phase One include six berths measuring 360 metres each, giving a total 2.16km of wharf length, key infrastructure including the Port Administration Building, two container freight statios, container stacking yard and essential port equipment which includes PTP's quay-side cranes and Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes.