Gamuda not only uses the latest tools and technologies in engineering but designs them, including the construction, commissioning and maintenance of the Kuala Lumpur Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART).

SMART is the world’s first 11km long, 13.2m diameter, dual-purpose floodwaters diversion and motorway tunnel, which has been recognised globally by the United Nations, construction industry and media as a unique engineering feat.

During periods of dry weather, the 3km double-decked motorway helps relieve traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur city centre via the Southern Gateway. In times of heavy rain, SMART diverts floodwaters from the confluence of the Klang and Ampang Rivers via a stormwater tunnel into a holding basin, before being channelled via the tunnel to a reservoir and then released into the Kerayong River.

Delivered in a public private partnership (PPP) model, the project utilised a slurry mix-shield tunnel boring machine – the first model of its kind in Southeast Asia and the second largest in Asia. Safety systems in the motorway tunnel include Automated Flood Control Gates, water and protective proofed equipment duct, Air Quality Monitoring Equipment (AQME) to monitor carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide and particulate levels, 24-hour SCADA Monitoring and Surveillance, ventilation and escape shafts as well as firefighting equipment, telecommunications and surveillance systems at every kilometre.

30,000 vehicles per day use the tunnel and it has the capacity to hold 1.05mld of water.

The tunnel received the following international recognition:

• United Nations Habitat Scroll of Honour award
• Fiabci Prix d’Excellence Award
• Named in CNN’s list of the top ten tunnels in the world