KLANG: The RM16 billion Light Rail Transit Line (LRT3) project, which runs from Klang to Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya, will start operating on March 1, 2025.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the LRT3 line would benefit over two million residents living in the western corridor of Klang.
"The LRT3 project is expected to benefit over two million residents in Petaling Jaya to Shah Alam and Klang where there is a dense population and development.
"There are 20 stations with two interchanges in Bandar Utama which are connected to the MRT Kajang Line and another in Glenmarie which is connected to the LRT Kelana Jaya Line," he said at the Johan Setia depot, here.
Also present was Prasarana Malaysia Berhad chairman Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim.
Loke, who went on a short test ride, said the overall progress of the LRT3 line was at 86 per cent, while civil works were over 80 per cent and signalling works are on-going.
He added the 22 sets of the three-car trains, incorporated with high and green technologies, had been delivered and were being tested.
"It is able to carry 18,630 riders per hour per direction. This is an addition to the public transportation system in the Klang Valley and also a vital LRT line to encourage usage especially for those in the Klang Valley," he said, adding that he welcomed the implementation of an open payment system for public transportation.
Meanwhile, Loke said the request for five provisional stations, which were now being requested after being previously shelved, will be brought up to the cabinet.
The provisional stations were Lien Hoe, Temasya, Sirim, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik.
Whether or not it could be incorporated into the LRT3 line, Loke said it would be decided by the cabinet as it would involve additional costs to the entire project.
In 2018, Prasarana shelved the construction of the five stations with very low projected passenger ridership until a time the demand is deemed necessary for it to be built.
On Selangor's request to extend the LRT3 line to the north of the state, Loke said he was certain that there would be such plans in the future but rail development, he added, would take years to plan.
"Let us focus on the LRT3 project because it is an important element in the public transportation system.
"We want to let the people know of its progress and to answer their doubts on if it was being delayed. However, the progress is good and it will come to operations in 2025," he added.