LRT Shah Alam Line gets five reinstated stations

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana), the operator of LRT, MRT, Monorail, and bus services, has welcomed the 2024 Budget‘s allocations for public transport. They view this as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

Finance Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar announced that five previously canceled stations along the LRT Shah Alam Line will be constructed. This line will connect Klang with Bandar Utama, featuring 26 originally planned stations, with operations set to commence by March 2025.

Currently, the new link between Klang and PJ is approximately 80% complete as of September 2023, with 20 stations either finished or nearing completion. In 2018, the then Pakatan Harapan government canceled six out of the 26 stations to reduce construction costs.

The five provisional stations being reinstated are Tropicana, Temasya, Raja Muda, Bukit Raja, and Bandar Botanik, incurring an additional cost of RM5.3 billion.

Expected to benefit over 2 million residents

The reinstated stations are expected to benefit over 2 million residents along the LRT Shah Alam Line, enhancing the public transport network in the Klang Valley.

The first set of LRT Shah Alam Line trains arrived in Malaysia in 2021, with 22 sets of 3-car carriages prepared for the upcoming LRT 3 Line. These carriages had their interiors installed at the CCRC Rolling Stock (Malaysia) facility in Batu Gajah, Perak.

To support the new LRT Shah Alam Line, Prasarana Malaysia will acquire 150 new electric buses and construct three new bus depots at a cost of RM600 million. These buses will serve as the last-mile solution for passengers accessing LRT Shah Alam Line stations.

The budget also allocates RM4.7 billion to upgrade the LRT3 project (LRT Shah Alam Line) and its support system, benefiting public transport users in the western corridor of the Klang Valley, from Johan Setia, Klang, to Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.

This allocation covers the reinstatement of the five delayed stations and aims to improve LRT3 services’ connectivity. Additionally, it includes the procurement of three additional train sets, support system enhancements, and expansion of the Johan Setia depot.

LRT Shah Alam Line an essential transportation link

The budget further encompasses the acquisition of 150 electric bus units and the construction of three bus depots by Prasarana at a cost of RM600 million. These initiatives provide essential first and last-mile facilities for the LRT3 project and contribute to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s approval of the government’s allocations in the 2024 Budget reflects the significance of reinstating five stations along the LRT Shah Alam Line. The financial commitment towards public transport improvements aligns with the goal of enhancing public transportation.

“The allocation will be used to reinstate the five stations whose construction was delayed, namely the Tropicana, Raja Muda, Temasya, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik stations. The return of these stations is expected to improve the connectivity of LRT3 services,” it added.

The LRT Shah Alam Line, once operational, will serve as an essential transportation link, benefiting millions of residents along its corridor. The inclusion of additional stations not only expands access but also elevates the connectivity of public transport in the Klang Valley.

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s appreciation of the government’s financial commitment in the 2024 Budget showcases a positive step towards enhancing public transportation. The reinstatement of five stations along the LRT Shah Alam Line is set to improve connectivity and accessibility for millions of residents in the Klang Valley.

As construction of the LRT Shah Alam Line nears completion, it becomes a critical component of the public transport network. This budget allocation reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of accessible, eco-friendly transportation solutions.