The total cost of the MRT project will only be finalised at the end of the year. — File picKUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Thirty one packages worth RM13.8 billion have been tendered out from a total of 85 packages for the Klang Valley MRT system, said MRT Corp today.

It added that another 23 work packages are currently being evaluated.

The final cost of the MRT is expected to be finalised by the fourth quarter of this year, once all work packages are awarded. Fund raising for the project is expected to be done through the sale of Islamic bonds.

“Work on the MRT project is progressing well so far, with RM13.8 billion worth of work packages already awarded,” said Amir Mahmood Razak, MRT Corp strategic communications director in a statement.

MTD Construction, which was awarded the 3.83km MRT V7 viaduct work package from Bandar Tun Hussein Onn to Taman Mesra, said today work will commence on August 7 and be completed in 47 months.

MTD Construction executive director Shukor Mohamed said the viaduct will involve special construction methods required to construct a pillar-less flyover across the Grand Saga highway.

He said a balanced cantilever method was needed for the span across the highway, which would not have a central pillar.

Shukor also said traffic mitigation methods have been put in place for the duration of construction.

“There won’t be much traffic diversion,” he said. “There should be minimal disruption.”

Members of the public can contact a 24-hour hotline (1 800 82 6868) with their concerns.

The V7 package worth RM 499.98 million is part of the 43 per cent of packages reserved for Bumiputera firms.

Information provided by MTD showed that it was established in 1980 and is a subsidiary of MTD ACPI Engineering Bhd, which is listed on Bursa Malaysia.

It is mainly involved in construction of mountain roads, highways, bridges and geotechnical works.