The contract for the construction of the track has been awarded to Ircon International Limited, which will build the 31.5km track from PTP to Kempas. The track, which will have provision for future double track and electrification, is expected to be completed in January 2002.

Survey and soil investigation work is being done on the site with construction scheduled to begin early next year after site possession.

The rail linkage will complete PTP’s distribution network, which currently includes a road linkage to Singapore and to the North – South Highway and air connections through Changi and the Senai International airports.

With the completion of the rail link, PTP is set to receive cargo by rail from Southern Thailand and other states in Peninsular Malaysia.

PTP, which will begin operations in January next year, has scheduled for the full completion of its phase One in mid-2001.

Key facilities being constructed in Phase One include six 360m berths, giving a total of 2.16km of wharf length, port administration building, two container freight stations and a container stacking yard. PTP’s Integrated Terminal and Port Management Information System is also being developed.