Media Given KTM KVDT2 Project Insight into Rail Operations and Infrastructure Upgrade Challenges

ETS, KTM, KTM Komuter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, RailTravel Guides, Trains Leave a comment

Media Given KTM KVDT2 Project Insight into Rail Operations and Infrastructure Upgrade Challenges

KTM Berhad organised a special media site visit on 20 May 2026 for the ongoing Klang Valley Double Track Phase 2 (KVDT2) project, offering journalists an exclusive opportunity to witness the realities of rail operations and infrastructure upgrade works along one of Malaysia’s busiest railway corridors. The  media outreach programme covered the active railway stretch between Bandar Tasik Selatan and Kajang stations, enabling members of the media to better understand the complexity of maintaining train services while major railway modernisation works are underway.

What is the KVDT2 Project?

The KVDT2 project is one of Malaysia’s most significant rail infrastructure upgrade initiatives, involving extensive double-track enhancement works spanning approximately 265 kilometres. The project covers the railway sections between Abdullah Hukum and Port Klang, as well as Salak Selatan and Seremban.

Launched in 2023, the KTM KVDT2 project aims to improve rail safety standards, operational reliability, system stability, passenger service efficiency, and long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s railway network

The upgrades include major improvements to railway tracks, signalling systems, communication cables, and electrification infrastructure.

KTMB Gives Media Direct Access to Live Rail Operations

The site visit was led by KTMB Chief Operating Officer Afzar Zakariya alongside KTMB management representatives. The programme was also supported by YBhg. Datuk Mohamed Razeek Hussain, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd, the main contractor involved in the KVDT2 works.

During the visit, members of the media travelled on a specialised inspection trolley through active rail operational zones. This allowed them to observe real-time railway traffic management, including single-track operations during upgrade works, train crossing coordination, rail traffic control procedures, KTM Komuter and ETS operational management, and active track upgrading activities.

The initiative was designed to provide greater public transparency regarding the operational adjustments currently affecting KTM services.

Temporary Operational Changes Necessary for Long-Term Improvements

According to KTMB Chief Operating Officer Afzar Zakariya, the temporary operational adjustments currently implemented are essential to ensure critical upgrade works can proceed safely and efficiently. These measures are necessary to facilitate track replacement and strengthening works, signal system modernisation, communication network upgrades, and railway electrification improvements.

He explained that the public may experience temporary timetable adjustments and operational changes during the construction phase, but the upgrades are intended to deliver substantial long-term benefits for rail users across the Klang Valley and Peninsular Malaysia.

Strengthening Public Understanding of KTM Rail Upgrades

KTMB stated that the media engagement programme reflects the company’s commitment to transparency and accurate public communication regarding the progress of national rail projects.

By allowing journalists to witness operational challenges first-hand, KTMB hopes to improve public understanding of the importance of railway infrastructure modernisation and the complexity involved in maintaining train services during major upgrade works.

The KTM KVDT2 project remains a critical component of Malaysia’s broader efforts to modernise its rail transport network and improve commuter and intercity rail reliability for future generations.

KTM Komuter Peak Hour Services

The frequency of KTM Komuter services for the Pulau Sebang – Batu Caves – Pulau Sebang route will be optimised to:

  • Five (5) weekday services during the morning peak period from 5.25am to 6.40am.
  • Five (5) weekday services during the evening peak period from 3.40pm to 6.40pm.
  • Two (2) weekend services during the morning peak period at 6.25am and 7.10am.
  • Two (2) weekend services during the evening peak period at 5.50pm and 6.40pm.
  • No KTM Komuter service between 10.00am and 4.00pm daily between Pulau Sebang/Tampin and Salak Selatan. Passengers are advised to seek alternative transport.
  • KTM Komuter service remains available from Batu Caves to Midvalley, and from Salak Selatan to Batu Caves at a frequency of every 30 to 60 minutes.

This reduction in frequency is necessary to maintain consistent, safe and controlled journey times under single-track operations.

Image from KTM Berhad.
During this implementation period, no KTM Komuter services will operate from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm for the Midvalley – Pulau Sebang and Pulau Sebang – Bandar Tasik Selatan routes. In addition, a full track closure between Salak Selatan Station and Seremban Station from 10.00 pm to 6.00 am will also be implemented to allow upgrade and maintenance works to be carried out more intensively.

New KTM Komuter Klang Valley Timetable from 18 April 2026 (Jadual Baru KTM Komuter Lembah Klang mulai 18 April 2026)

As part of operational planning, KTMB is also optimising the use of train sets on this route, including planning to optimise passenger capacity in the northern sector to ensure service levels remain resilient throughout the project period.

ETS and Freight Services

ETS and KTM Kargo services will continue to operate as usual on the affected route; however, there are two (2) ETS trains involving timetable and train number adjustments as follows:

Current operating time Operating time from 18 April
Train No.: EP9536 Train No.: EP9530
Route: JB Sentral – KL Sentral Route: JB Sentral – KL Sentral
Departure: 8.30pm Departure: 3.00pm
Arrival: 12.50am (+1) Arrival: 7.20pm
Current operating time Operating time from 18 April
Train No.: EP9537 Train No.: EP9535
Route: KL Sentral – JB Sentral Route: KL Sentral – JB Sentral
Departure: 9.10pm Departure: 8.00pm
Arrival: 1.30am Arrival: 12.20am (+1)

Affected ETS Platinum 9536/9537 customers may receive a 100% refund into the KITS Wallet and rebook for a new train at existing flexi fare rates.

New KTM ETS Train Timetable from 18 April 2026 (Jadual Baru KTM ETS mulai 18 April 2026)

Image from KTM Berhad.
Image from KTM Berhad.

Information for Passengers

KTMB understands that this implementation may cause inconvenience to daily passengers, particularly during off-peak hours. Accordingly, affected passengers are advised to seek alternative transport during off-peak hours, including using ETS services at Seremban, subject to the timetable and ticket availability at the time.

Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check the latest timetable through KTMB’s official website and official social media channels. For further enquiries, passengers may contact the KTMB Call Centre at 03-9779 1200 or refer to the station staff on duty.

KTM Komuter Klang Valley Sector Route Map (effective 18 April 2026)

KTM Komuter Klang Valley Sector Timetable (effective 27 April 2026)

KTM Komuter Klang Valley Sector Weekday Timetable effective 27 April 2026

Batu Caves-Pulau Sebang (Tampin) Line

KTM Komuter Klang Valley Sector Weekend Timetable effective 1 May 2026

Batu Caves-Pulau Sebang (Tampin) Line

KTM ETS Timetable (effective 18 April 2026)

KTM ETS Northbound Timetable effective 18 April 2026

KTM ETS Southbound Timetable effective 18 April 2026

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.