How world's second-tallest skyscraper manages massive daily crowds

A version of this article was posted on X by Massimo.

Vertical logistics present unique challenges in supertall structures, where traditional elevator setups fail to move thousands of occupants efficiently. At Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, engineers deployed a complex high-speed transit network to tackle daily foot traffic across its 118 storeys.

Standing as the second-tallest building in the world at 678.9 metres, the tower relies on 89 elevators supplied by KONE. Moving large volumes of workers, hotel guests, and tourists up a 500-metre vertical core required abandoning standard lift mechanics.

Instead, the structure incorporates 37 high-capacity double-deck elevators. These dual-level cabs operate as two stacked units within a single shaft, doubling passenger transport capability without taking up crucial rentable floor space inside the building core.

To prevent bottlenecks at the lower lobbies, the building utilizes a computerized Destination Control System (DCS). Passengers select their destination floor at an external kiosk before entering, and artificial intelligence groups travelers by destination floor to minimize total stops.

The DCS divides occupants into odd- and even-numbered floor groups, directing them to either the upper or lower deck of the designated elevator. Powered by heavy-duty MX100 engines, these high-speed lifts carry eight-tonne loads at speeds reaching 10 metres per second.

Beyond high-speed lifts, the megatall structure relies on direct connections to regional transit networks to manage ground-level congestion. Integrated access points link the tower directly to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network at Merdeka station, alongside neighboring light rail stations.

Dedicated underground roadways, including the Belfield Tunnel, channel vehicular traffic directly into five basement levels designed to park 8,500 vehicles. This combined approach keeps thousands of daily visitors moving through the landmark site smoothly without straining local municipal infrastructure.