LRT3 Delay Update

The launch of the Shah Alam Line (formerly known as LRT3) has confirmed to be rescheduled, with operations now expected to begin by the end of the year. Initially scheduled to start service on September 30, the delay has been attributed to ongoing testing and certification requirements. Authorities have reassured the public that the project is still progressing well, and they remain committed to starting operations before the year ends.

As of early July, the construction progress was over 99% complete. However, the trains must still undergo rigorous fault-free testing, which has impacted the timeline. The testing process involves continuous operation over thousands of kilometres without any significant faults; any major issue resets the testing mileage, delaying progress further.

The 37-kilometre line stretches from Johan Setia in Klang to Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya. It includes 25 stations and offers key interchange connections to the Kajang MRT line at Bandar Utama and the Kelana Jaya LRT line at Glenmarie. This line is seen as a vital transport link for residents in Klang and Shah Alam, especially as they face continued disruptions in KTM Komuter services due to the long-running Klang Valley Double Track (KVDT) rehabilitation works.

Testing remains a major hurdle before the system can be safely launched. This week, the first of 22 train sets is expected to begin the crucial “fault-free run,” during which it must complete 4,000 km without experiencing any faults. The remaining train sets are required to complete at least 2,000 km each. Additionally, all trains must be able to travel the entire line within 60 minutes, with a train arriving every six minutes. This is necessary to meet the planned capacity of 18,630 passengers per hour in each direction.

Officials have stated that system integration – including components such as signalling, electrification, and communications – has been particularly challenging and is the primary reason for the delayed start of the fault-free run. The system must be thoroughly tested to ensure all subsystems function seamlessly together.

Internally, the project team has acknowledged the importance of the coming weeks, describing the period as a critical phase. Staff have been encouraged to remain focused and hopeful that the remaining tests proceed without further issues, allowing the project to finally reach completion and begin serving the public by year-end.