Kuching, May 20 : As of April 2025, the overall progress of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Phase 1 project stands at 29.89 per cent, compared to the planned 33.86 per cent, with a variance of -3.97 per cent, said Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.

Dr Jerip also said that the operations of KUTS Phase 1 will be carried out in stages, with the first section of the Blue Line from Rembus to Riveria now expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. 

"This is later than the initally targeted date due to construction delays. The full operation of the entire KUTS Phase 1 Project is expected to commence in 2028," he said in response to a question from Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How during the question-and-answer (Q&A) session of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) at the DUS Complex here today. 

See enquired about the progress of Phase 1 of the KUTS project involving the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), and when the three lines will be coming into service respectively. 

The Batu Lintang assemblyman further asked how many stations are located along Jalan Alwi under the KUTS Phase 1 project, the locations of the at- grade and elevated ART stations within the Batu Lintang area, as well as how many Transit Signal Priority (TSP) Junctions are planned in the area and where they are located. 

In response to See's supplementary questions, Dr Jerip, who is also Mambong assemblyman, said the entire stretch of Jalan Wan Alwi will be constructed as an elevated alignment, with two elevated stations - one in front of Vivacity Megamall and the other near Kuching Lodge School. 

"Meanwhile, there will be one station located at SM12- Batu Lintang, in front of the JKR Kuching Divisional office, which will also have an elevated design," he said. As for TSP junctions, Dr Jerip said there will be one located at Jalan Batu Lintang, specifically at the Jalan Bamflyde- Jalan Batu Lintang traffic light junction near the Kuching Water Board. Credit : DayakDaily