East Klang Valley Expressway: Lessons from India’s Ghaziabad-Aligarh Expressway
Delays and Rising Costs
The 24km East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE), from Sungai Long to Ukay Perdana, has been delayed due to civil suits and rising costs. Despite being in progress for 10 years, the project remains unfinished, leaving many wondering when it will finally be completed.
Urging Lessons from India
Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan has urged the concession company for the delayed EKVE to draw lessons from contractors in India who completed the 100km Ghaziabad-Aligarh Expressway in 100 hours. The Indian expressway, which crosses through various towns and cities in Uttar Pradesh, was completed in May last year.
A Comparison
Ahmad expressed disappointment that the EKVE project remained unfinished despite having been in progress for 10 years. He pointed out that nearly 40km of the EKVE has been under construction for 10 years without completion, which is truly disheartening and disappointing. In contrast, the Indian expressway was completed in just 100 hours, with 1km being completed in one hour.
Expectations and Timeline
The works ministry previously expected the highway to be opened in phases this year. However, in March, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the EKVE was expected to be completed by Dec 31 next year. The concessionaire signed a fifth supplementary concession agreement with Putrajaya on Nov 11 last year.
Cost and Original Timeline
The 24km EKVE dual carriageway, connecting Sungai Long in Kajang to Ukay Perdana in Ampang, was expected to cost about RM1.55 billion. It was initially slated for completion in 2019 but had been delayed several times due to issues such as civil suits and rising costs.
Conclusion
The East Klang Valley Expressway project has been plagued by delays and rising costs, leaving many frustrated with the lack of progress. Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan has urged the concession company to learn from India’s Ghaziabad-Aligarh Expressway, which was completed in a fraction of the time. As the project moves forward, it is hoped that lessons will be learned and the EKVE will finally be completed, bringing much-needed relief to commuters in the area.
FAQs
* What is the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE)?
+ The EKVE is a 24km dual carriageway connecting Sungai Long in Kajang to Ukay Perdana in Ampang.
* Why has the EKVE project been delayed?
+ The project has been delayed due to civil suits and rising costs.
* When is the EKVE expected to be completed?
+ The works ministry expects the EKVE to be completed by Dec 31 next year.
* How much is the EKVE expected to cost?
+ The EKVE is expected to cost about RM1.55 billion.
* What is the original timeline for the EKVE project?
+ The EKVE was initially slated for completion in 2019.