LRT3 Hits 99% Completion - Loke

The Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project, which will connect Bandar Utama to Johan Setia in Klang, is almost ready for launch. As of July 10, the line was 99.21 percent complete, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

In a written reply to Parliament, Loke reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the project safely and on schedule. The line is expected to begin operations on September 30.

Responding to a question from Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan on delays and rising costs, Loke explained that progress had been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Construction was halted during the Movement Control Order between March 2020 and October 2021, which caused major disruptions to timelines, supply chains, and material availability.

“Labour shortages that followed further slowed the pace of work,” the minister said. Initially approved in 2015 with a price tag of RM31.65 billion, the project’s cost was reduced to RM16.63 billion in 2018 after a major restructuring exercise. That revision saved the government over RM15 billion by scaling back certain components.

However, in 2024, the government decided to restore parts of the original scope to meet future demand.

“The reinstated elements included five additional stations, seven more train sets, an expanded depot in Johan Setia, the purchase of 150 electric feeder buses, and the construction of three new bus depots,” Loke said, adding that these additions brought the total cost to RM21.93 billion.

Despite the higher cost, the enhancements are aimed at improving service coverage and long-term reliability.

Once fully operational, the LRT3 will serve key areas such as Bandar Utama, Shah Alam, and Klang. It’s designed to carry up to 18,630 passengers per hour in each direction and benefit roughly two million residents living along the route.