Cover image via The Malaysian Reserve
Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently announced that the LRT3 project, also known as the Shah Alam LRT line extension, is set for full completion and handover to Prasarana Malaysia Bhd by the turnkey contractor on 31 July
According to The Edge, the minister said the line will connect Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya to Johan Setia in Klang, and is expected to begin service on 30 September this year.
The line stretches an impressive 37.8km.
Loke mentioned that two phases of passenger-free trial runs would be conducted to ensure the safety and readiness of the service.
Image via Citizens Journal
Traffic congestion is expected to ease significantly, alongside much better integrated connectivity
According to Citizens Journal, these improvements are expected to benefit 500,000 residents and 74,000 passengers.
The LRT3 line will boost convenience by integrating with several other public transportation networks, including the Kelana Jaya Line, MRT Bandar Utama, BRT Federal Line, and KTM Komuter Port Klang Line.
The LRT3 Line also aims to elevate efficiency and comfort with a slew of new features
According to Citizens Journal, the LRT3 project incorporates several efficiency-driven features.
The most notable ones include passenger information display systems (PIDS), closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, fire safety equipment, and automated fare collection (AFC) systems.
Additionally, passengers can enjoy different green technologies at the stations, ranging from noise control features to natural ventilation.
Image via Bernama/FMT
With passenger safety in mind, the second phase of the LRT3 trial run without passengers will commence in July and end in August this year
The run will be carried out by Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd with technical support from the main contractor.
Image via Citizens Journal
The LRT3 line project dates back to 2016, with 26 planned stations
However, the initial budget of RM9 billion allocated by the then-Barisan Nasional government did not cover extra overhead costs and operational costs, among other expenses.
In 2018, the Pakatan Harapan-led government put the construction of five of its stations on hold, and even cancelled one due to budget constraints.
Finally, during the tabling of Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government would proceed with the construction of the previously shelved five LRT3 stations — Tropicana, Raja Muda, Temasya, Bukit Raja, and Bandar Botanik — with an allocated budget of RM4.7 billion.
