KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd completed and launched the first phase of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line today, two weeks ahead of schedule.

The first phase of the SBK Line was initially targeted for completion on Dec 31.

“As promised, as the project delivery partner (PDP), we will be delivering the first phase of the Klang Valley MRT SBK Line from MRT Sungai Buloh Station to MRT Semantan Station according to our value proposition of being within budget and on time. And in this case, we are opening it two weeks ahead of schedule.

“This is a strong testament to our ability as the PDP for such a large-scale public transport infrastructure,” said MMC Gamuda KVMRT project director Datuk Wong Wai Ching in a statement today.

The first phase consists of 12 stations built by four major viaduct works package contractors, nominated station contractors and designated supplies & designated contractors.

Meanwhile, the entire 51km SBK Line comprising 31 stations is targeted to be operational by July 2017.

“In any project of such a massive scale, the possibility of cost overruns is a key concern. Here, the PDP has a pivotal role of keeping cost escalations under check.

“This was achieved for the SBK Line through value engineering processes that enhanced cost input without compromising the construction outcome. As such, the project cost for the SBK Line was below RM23 billion,” said MMC Gamuda.

MMC Gamuda – the pioneer for the PDP model – is a joint venture (JV) between MMC Corporation Bhd and Gamuda Bhd. The JV company has also been appointed as the PDP for the Sungai Buloh–Serdang–Putrajaya Line.