It would be a modern transport hub connecting various modes of travel, in line with the national transport master plan, Bernama quoted him as saying.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was carried out today by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The development covers 27 hectares and incorporates rail, bus, taxi and e-hailing services, as well as pedestrian and cycling lanes. It is being carried out in a collaboration between Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd and the Railway Assets Corporation.

Loke said transit-oriented development would promote sustainable lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion, concentrate development around stations and transport hubs as well as strengthen the role of public transport as one of the people’s main choices.

Phase one involves the preservation of a 6.3-acre green space, including landscape enhancement and recreational parks, while the second phase is a mixed development on 60 acres of land with an estimated development period of 20 years.

Loke also said the developer would complete the construction of a recreational park first before developing commercial projects. The park is part of the first phase and is expected to be completed within a year.

“We have to deliver the recreational park to the local community first before the developers can pursue profits, even though this park brings no financial gain to the developer,” he said.