Theta Nylex Consortium has proposed to develop a medium-capacity light rail transit (LRT) system for the Northern and Eastern Lines in Iskandar Johor under a build-operate-transfer model.
In a statement, it said the project, estimated to cost RM8.75 billion, will be developed in phases.
Phase 1 is expected to be completed in early 2027 and will include a 10-kilometer elevated LRT line that connects Taman Tasek to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at Bukit Chagar.
Depending on the availability of land, later stages may include both at-grade and elevated sections.
Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) are being proposed as a means of supporting the project’s funding, which will be provided through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
While Johor’s plan for an autonomous rapid transit (ART) system to connect the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was previously approved, Putrajaya is now considering an LRT system.
The LRT project would be the third of its kind in Malaysia, following the networks in Penang and the Klang Valley.
The Johor Bahru LRT project’s tender has not yet been opened, according to confirmation made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke last month.
Previously, it was reported that EPE Power Corp Bhd was among the potential bidders for the project.
A group consisting of LBS Bina Group Bhd, Nylex (M) Berhad (a division of Ancom Nylex Berhad), Theta Edge Berhad, Sinar Bina Infra Sdn Bhd, and BTS Group Holdings PCL submitted a second bid.
An 11.3km LRT line connecting Taman Tasek on the western side of Johor Bahru to Bukit Chagar station, where it would connect with the RTS Link, was the original proposal from the consortium.
An ART system was first thought to be the preferred option, but another consortium led by YTL Power International Bhd, SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd, and Mobilus Sdn Bhd—with Lion Pacific previously associated with the bid—was pushing for it instead.
 system for the Northern and Eastern Lines in Iskandar Johor under a build-operate-transfer model.){kind=link}