Ahmad Maslan: Gov. Mulling Further Cost-Reduction For MRT3

The Mass Transit Transit 3 (MRT3) project, which is set to complete the urban rail network in Kuala Lumpur, has not been finalised yet. Deputy Minister of Finance, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bin Maslan, confirmed this whilst summarising the Supplementary Supply Bill (2022) 2023 in Dewan Rakyat, earlier today.

The Deputy Minister said that although the government had announced during the last 2023 Budget that the cost for MRT 3 had been brought down to RM50.2 Billion from RM68 Billion, the ministry feels there is further room for more reduction.  "There are proposals that the cost can be lowered down to RM45 Billion and that they are waiting for the proposal before making any firm decisions,” adds Ahmad Maslan further.

The MRT3 line spans a total of 50.8 KM in length, of which 40.1 KM would be elevated, whilst 10.7 KM would run underground. A total of 31 stations along this line are planned with 7 of which being underground. The initial launch date for MRT3 was set for 2028 for Phase 1, followed by 2030 for Phase 2.

MRT3, which would run along the other circle of the city, is crucial to complete the entire network connectivity between MRT1 and MRT2. This line would encircle the greater Kuala Lumpur area by cutting through high density areas such as Setiawangsa, Titiwangsa, Mont Kiara, Pantai Dalam, and Pandan Indah.

Ahmad Maslan also said that the government will carry out a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of the MRT3 project compared to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), taking into account the locations, traffic volume, and overall cost.