CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR TIMELY COMPLETION OF MALAYSIAN RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Abstract

This study examines the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the timely completion of railway construction projects in Malaysia, an essential component of the nation’s infrastructure and economic development agenda. Despite substantial investments in major initiatives such as the Klang Valley MRT, LRT3, ECRL, Ipoh to Padang Besar(North KTMB Project in Malaysia), and Gemas to Johor Baru(South KTMB Project in Malaysia) project delays remain a recurring issue that affects cost efficiency, stakeholder confidence, and public trust. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from industry professionals to identify and analyze the most significant determinants of project time performance. The study concludes that CSFs in the form of effective project planning and scheduling, leadership competence, stakeholder communication, financial management, and stakeholder engagement are the most critical CSFs that influence timely completion. Statistical analysis shows that internal management factors have a stronger influence on project time than do the external factors such as regulatory delays or environmental constraints. In addition, the paper underlines the impact of technology adoption in real-time monitoring and coordination especially Building Information Modelling (BIM). The findings have implications for both academic knowledge and practical ways of improving project governance, reducing delays, and improving performance management in the Malaysian railway sector.