Prasarana to Reveal LRT3 Launch Date This April—Here’s Everything We Know So Far

The wait for the LRT3 Shah Alam Line is entering its final stretch. After months of "will they, won't they" speculation, Prasarana has officially pointed to April 2026 as the month of truth.

If you’re one of the two million residents between Bandar Utama and Klang waiting to ditch the Federal Highway jam, here is the essential briefing on where we stand as of March 5.

1. The "April" Milestone

Prasarana CEO Amir Hamdan has confirmed that a dedicated press conference will be held this April. While Transport Minister Anthony Loke is pushing for a June 2026 opening (or earlier!), the operator is being more cautious. The April announcement will likely reveal the exact "Go-Live" date, provided the final safety reports are signed off.

2. The "Fail-Free Run" (FFR): The Final Boss

The project is currently in the most critical stage of testing: the Fail-Free Run (FFR).

The Goal: 14 out of 22 trains have already passed. The final batch of 8 trains is currently in the "final stage" of testing.

The Rule: Each train must travel 4,000km without a single glitch. If a door fails to open once or a signal drops for a second, the counter resets to 0km.

3. Fighting the "Cable Thieves"

One of the biggest hurdles hasn't been engineering—it's been crime. Prasarana has admitted that cable theft has caused significant setbacks.

The Solution: Static auxiliary police are now stationed at "identified hotspots" along the line.

The Result: Management reports a recorded reduction in theft cases, meaning the infrastructure is finally secure enough for a public launch.

4. The RM475 Million Penalty

The stakes are high. Due to repeated delays (the original target was 2024), the main contractor is currently facing Liquidated and Ascertained Damages (LAD) totaling nearly RM475 million. This financial pressure is a major reason why the government is pushing to expedite the June deadline.

5. Quick Facts: What to Expect on Day 1

• Distance: 37.8 km of rail.
• Stations: 20 permanent stations will open first (including Bandar Utama, Glenmarie, Stadium Shah Alam, and Johan Setia).
• The Interchanges: 
• Bandar Utama: Connects to the MRT Kajang Line.
• Glenmarie: Connects to the LRT Kelana Jaya Line.
• Future-Proofing: 5 "provisional" stations (like Tropicana and Raja Muda) have been reinstated and will open later in 2028.

Sources: MalaysMail | MalayMail