Kota MADANI to Become Vehicle-Free City with Underground Traffic System

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025

Kota MADANI: Malaysia’s First Vehicle-Free Urban Zone

Kota MADANI, a visionary urban development project in Putrajaya, is set to become a national landmark and the first city in Malaysia designed with a completely vehicle-free surface level. This ambitious plan was revealed in a recent update highlighting how the city will prioritise sustainability and public well-being.

Cars Will Go Underground — Not Away

While Kota MADANI will not ban vehicles entirely, their movement will be strictly limited to the underground level. According to Datin TPr Mazrina Khalid, President of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, incoming vehicles will immediately descend into multi-level underground parking.

“Vehicles will enter underground zones upon arrival in Kota MADANI and be parked in a three-floor underground facility,” she explained during a technical media briefing.

The city’s design ensures that Level 5 and above will be completely car-free, transforming the upper levels into a safe pedestrian haven.

Daily Essentials Within 15 Minutes’ Walk

Datin TPr Mazrina also emphasised the importance of urban convenience. The entire city will be built around the principle of a 10 to 15-minute walking radius, meaning essential services like schools, mosques, grocery stores, clinics, and parks will be within walking distance of every residential zone.

This planning model aims to foster a healthier, low-carbon lifestyle by removing the community’s reliance on personal vehicles and encouraging walking.

Redefining City Living in Malaysia

Kota MADANI’s design reflects a shift in Malaysian urban planning — from traffic-heavy layouts to pedestrian-first environments. With its underground traffic solution and surface-level walkability, the city hopes to set a new national standard for urban sustainability.

The development is still in its planning phase, but its vision signals Malaysia’s commitment to future-proofing urban centres for climate resilience and better quality of life.

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