MRT3 Circle Line

• MRT3 is a go – 51.6 km Circle Line approved by transport ministry, land acquisition is the next step

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 18 July 2025 9:56 am / 11 comments

  

  The MRT3 a.k.a. Circle Line is a go. The third mass rapid transit line has been formally approved and signed by transport minister Anthony Loke, a big milestone for what should be the finishing piece of Klang Valley’s rail network.

  This comes after a Public Inspection (PI) exercise held from September to December 2024, where MRT Corp gathered feedback from the public. “A big thank you to the 45,000 Malaysians who shared their feedback during the Public Inspection — with 93.3% voicing strong support for MRT3!” the company said in a social media post yesterday.

  In the list of what’s new, MRT Corp says that there will now be reduced land acquisitions, from 1,012 to 690 lots, and improved station and viaduct placement along the alignment. These were probably based on the feedback from the PI exercise. With the official green light, the next step for the project is land acquisition.

  With 10 interchange stations, the 51.6 km MRT3 Circle Line (was previously quoted as 50.8 km) will integrate with existing MRT, LRT, KTM and Monorail lines. The map below was revealed in March 2022, and you can click to enlarge it and study the alignment.

  

  Click to enlarge MRT3 map

  Starting from the Titiwangsa hub in KL heading towards Setapak, the stations are Kampung Puah, Jalan Langkawi, Danau Kota, Setapak, Rejang, Setiawangsa, AU2, Taman Hillview, Tasik Ampang, Kampung Pandan, Pandan Indah and Taman Kencana. The next stretch of stations are in the Cheras area, and they are Taman Cheras (a.k.a. Yulek), Taman Midah, Jalan Yaacob Latif and Sri Permaisuri.

  The line then bends towards Salak Selatan, Salak Jaya (provisional), Kuchai and Old Klang Road. The line then enters the Lembah Pantai area, with stations in Pantai Dalam, Pantai Permai, Universiti and UM. The final stretch covers the affluent areas of Bukit Kiara South, Bukit Kiara (provisional), Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara, before heading to Bukit Segambut, Taman Sri Sinar (near Desa Parkcity in Kepong), Dutamas and Jalan Kuching before coming back to Titiwangsa.

  When the map was released, the line was quoted as 50.8 km long, with 10.7 km of that being underground. The underground sections will be from Rejang to Setiawangsa, Universiti to Bukit Kiara South (the UM station is underground) and the long stretch from Sri Hartamas to just after Jalan Kuching station, where the line surfaces. The six stations here are also underground ones.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line construction only starting in 2027

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Jonathan James Tan / 19 November 2024 2:48 pm / 9 comments

  

  Construction at the Mass Rapid Transit Circle Line (MRT3) project site is only expected to start in 2027 after MRT Corp completes the land acquisition process, Bernama reports.

  MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said that the process is currently underway, with public inspections ongoing until this December 2. Only after that can the route be finalised and the land acquisition process begin, which is expected to take 24 months, until 2026.

  “(translated) We hope that by 2027, the government will have enough capacity to continue this project. That’s my personal target but it depends on the economic situation. As we know, the economy is recovering, so give it a few more years and I think it will be a solid foundation for us to start,” he said.

  In March 2023, the government said it had not finalised its decision yet on the proposed implementation of the RM50.2 billion-estimated MRT3 project.

  
  

  Click to enlarge

  First revealed in March 2022, the official MRT3 route map shows 31 stations including the main hub at Titiwangsa, but does not include two stations listed as provisional (Salak Jaya and Bukit Kiara).

  Starting from Titiwangsa in KL heading towards Setapak, the stations are Kampung Puah, Jalan Langkawi, Danau Kota, Setapak, Rejang, Setiawangsa, AU2, Taman Hillview, Tasik Ampang, Kampung Pandan, Pandan Indah and Taman Kencana. The next stretch of stations are in the Cheras area, and they are Taman Cheras (a.k.a. Yulek), Taman Midah, Jalan Yaacob Latif and Sri Permaisuri.

  The line then bends towards Salak Selatan, Salak Jaya (provisional), Kuchai and Old Klang Road. The line then enters the Lembah Pantai area, with stations in Pantai Dalam, Pantai Permai, Universiti and UM. The final stretch covers the affluent areas of Bukit Kiara South, Bukit Kiara (provisional), Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara, before heading to Bukit Segambut, Taman Sri Sinar (near Desa Parkcity in Kepong), Dutamas and Jalan Kuching before returning to Titiwangsa.

  The MRT3 Circle Line is 50.8 km long – 10.7 km of which is underground. Based on the official map, the underground section is from Rejang to Setiawangsa, Universiti to Bukit Kiara Selatan (UM station underground) and from Sri Hartamas to near Jalan Kuching station. A total of 39 km of the line is in KL, with the remainder in Selangor.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line – public invited to review rail project via Public Inspection exercise from Sept 2 to Dec 2

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Anthony Lim / 2 September 2024 11:09 am / 2 comments

  

  Click to enlarge.

  As part of the planning and development process for the Mass Rapid Transit Circle Line (MRT3) project, MRT Corp has announced that it is conducting a three-month long Public Inspection exercise to gather feedback from members of the public.

  From today, September 2 to December 2, the public will be able to review and provide feedback on the proposed alignment, site and context plans as well as other essential details on the project, which is still in the final planning and development stages.

  This can be accomplished through the 35 designated locations the company has set up throughout the Klang Valley. These consist of eight MRT Info Kiosks and 27 MRT Info Trucks locations at key sites. The full schedule and locations for the Public Inspection exercise are available on the MRT3 Public Inspection microsite.

  The company added that those unable to visit the Public Inspection locations in person can access project-related materials and details online via the dedicated microsite and submit feedback through the platform.

  The MRT3 Circle Line is a 50.8 km long orbital rail line that aims to connect the existing Klang Valley public transport network, integrating with MRT, LRT, KTM, and Monorail lines through 10 strategically-located interchange and connecting stations. Meant to cover many areas currently not served, or underserved by the existing urban rail network, 10.7 km of the line will be underground, meaning that the bulk of it (40.1 km) will be elevated.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line construction not finalised, gov’t has requested another cost evaluation – Ahmad Maslan

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Anthony Lim / 31 March 2023 1:39 pm / 18 comments

  

  Although it has approved the Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) project, the government says it has yet to finalise the decision to go ahead with the Circle Line, which is estimated to cost RM50.2 billion to build.

  According to deputy finance minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, this is because the government believes that the cost of constructing the loop line can be lowered, and has requested that the matter be looked into further, Berita Harian reports.

  “There is a view that it can be lowered to RM45 billion, so we are waiting for a proposal on that. The MRT3 distance is 50.8 kilometers to complete the urban rail network. If we don’t build MRT3, we won’t be able to carry out the entire journey,” he said during the winding-up session of the Supplementary Supply Bill (2022) 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

  

  Click to enlarge.

  He added that the government will also carry out a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of implementing the MRT3 project compared to Bus Line Transit (BRT), taking into account the suitability of locations, traffic volume and overall cost. “This matter will be discussed further with the transport and finance ministries,” he said.

  He was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor), who asked if the finance ministry would conduct a comparative impact study between MRT3 and BRT, taking into account the factors of service use and cost.

  The MRT3 Circle Line is set to be the last piece in completing the urban rail network in Kuala Lumpur, running along the perimeter of the city and linking areas that aren’t connected at present. It will go around Kuala Lumpur through high-density areas, including Setiawangsa, Titiwangsa, Mont Kiara, Pantai Dalam and Pandan Indah.

   

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• MRT3 caters to rich areas where residents don’t use public transport? Circle Line is for all, says CEO

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 14 April 2022 10:10 am / 20 comments

  

  MRT Kajang Line – Taman Pertama station in Cheras

  Last month, MRT Corp released the official map for the MRT3 Circle Line, which has been approved by the government and is set to start operating in stages as early as December 2028. The finishing piece of the Klang Valley’s rail network is expected to be fully operational in 2030.

  With the map, the impact of the loop line is evident, as you can see clearly its relationship to the other train lines. It shows 31 stations including the main hub at Titiwangsa, but excluding two stations listed as provisional (Salak Jaya and Bukit Kiara).

  Since the map surfaced, there have been voices questioning MRT Corp’s move to have stations at supposedly affluent areas where residents are not likely to use public transport. That, according to FMT, is from “some social media users” and the news outlet put the question to MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim.

  

  Click to enlarge MRT3 map

  “We have to traverse through areas such as Mont Kiara because at the end of the day, the MRT3 line is a circle. We need to be able to connect underserved communities in Segambut Dalam and Taman Sri Sinar with the rest of the line. As Mont Kiara happens to be along the way, we can’t skip it,” he said.

  Zarif explained that MRT Corp decided it was better to have a station at Mont Kiara instead of not stopping, so that those residing and working there would also have the best possible transport service. He said there were workers who had to commute to MK to get to various eateries and service outlets there. There’s congestion leading to the area, and an MRT station was needed to ease the mobility of residents and workers.

  He added that MRT3 Circle Line is designed to cover many areas currently not served, or underserved by the existing urban rail network. These areas include Segambut Dalam, Taman Sri Sinar, Setapak, Pandan, Pantai Permai and Jalan Klang Lama. The MRT3 stations could also branch out to more underserved areas in the future through spur lines.

  

  MRT Putrajaya Line – Metro Prima station in Kepong

  Let’s take a look at the map and stations. Starting from the Titiwangsa hub in KL heading towards Setapak, the stations are Kampung Puah, Jalan Langkawi, Danau Kota, Setapak, Rejang, Setiawangsa, AU2, Taman Hillview, Tasik Ampang, Kampung Pandan, Pandan Indah and Taman Kencana. The next stretch of stations are in the Cheras area, and they are Taman Cheras (a.k.a. Yulek), Taman Midah, Jalan Yaacob Latif and Sri Permaisuri.

  The line then bends towards Salak Selatan, Salak Jaya (provisional), Kuchai and Old Klang Road. The line then enters the Lembah Pantai area, with stations in Pantai Dalam, Pantai Permai, Universiti and UM. The final stretch covers the affluent areas of Bukit Kiara South, Bukit Kiara (provisional), Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara, before heading to Bukit Segambut, Taman Sri Sinar (near Desa Parkcity in Kepong), Dutamas and Jalan Kuching before coming back to Titiwangsa.

  The MRT3 Circle Line is 50.8 km long, 10.7 km of that will be underground, meaning that the bulk of it (40.1 km) will be elevated. The underground sections will be from Rejang to Setiawangsa, Universiti to Bukit Kiara South (the UM station is underground) and the long stretch from Sri Hartamas to just after Jalan Kuching station, where the line surfaces. The six stations here are also underground ones.

  

  So, people in MK and Hartamas don’t take trains? IMO, this idea that “our public transport is bad” or “for the poor” is ingrained in many urban Malaysians and is rather backward. There are some who avoid trains even though their commute is served, preferring to spend more time in the jam and looking for parking. And that’s before we talk about costs.

  There are faults and missing links for sure (that’s why a loop line is needed), but with the MRT Kajang Line onboard, we have a decent rail system in the Klang Valley, and it’s about to get better soon with the MRT Putrajaya Line joining the network (there’s a slight delay).

  I have a feeling that many expat residents of areas such as Mont Kiara recognise this more than some middle class and above locals, and will be using the MRT3 along with the rest of us. After all, taking the train is a normal thing back in Tokyo, Seoul and London – there’s no stigma.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line official map released – see how the 50.8 km, 31 station loop links with 6 existing rail lines

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 21 March 2022 5:16 pm / 18 comments

  

  MRT Kajang Line – Taman Pertama station in Cheras

  MRT Corp has released the official map for the MRT3 Circle Line, which has been approved by the government and is set to start operating in stages as early as December 2028. The finishing piece of the Klang Valley’s rail network is expected to be fully operational in 2030. With the map, the impact of this loop line is evident, as you can see clearly its relationship to the other train lines.

  Most of the details we know so far regarding the stations were from April 2021, when MRT Corp said that they are looking at 30 stations for the loop line. This official map shows 31 stations including the main hub at Titiwangsa, but excluding two stations listed as provisional (Salak Jaya and Bukit Kiara).

  Starting from Titiwangsa in KL heading towards Setapak, the stations are Kampung Puah, Jalan Langkawi, Danau Kota, Setapak, Rejang, Setiawangsa, AU2, Taman Hillview, Tasik Ampang, Kampung Pandan, Pandan Indah and Taman Kencana. The next stretch of stations are in the Cheras area, and they are Taman Cheras (a.k.a. Yulek), Taman Midah, Jalan Yaacob Latif and Sri Permaisuri.

  

  Click to enlarge

  The line then bends towards Salak Selatan, Salak Jaya (provisional), Kuchai and Old Klang Road. The line then enters the Lembah Pantai area, with stations in Pantai Dalam, Pantai Permai, Universiti and UM. The final stretch covers the affluent areas of Bukit Kiara South, Bukit Kiara (provisional), Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara, before heading to Bukit Segambut, Taman Sri Sinar (near Desa Parkcity in Kepong), Dutamas and Jalan Kuching before coming back to Titiwangsa.

  Current train lines link the suburbs to the city centre, but MRT3 goes in a loop to link all of the “spokes” together, linking up stations/places that are currently “so near yet so far”. Interchange stations include Setiawangsa (with LRT Kelana Jaya Line), Pandan Indah (with LRT Ampang Line), Taman Midah (with MRT Kajang Line), Salak Selatan (with LRT Sri Petaling Line) and Kuchai (with the upcoming MRT Putrajaya Line).

  The other interchange stations are Pantai Dalam (with KTM Tanjung Malim – Port Klang), Universiti (with the LRT Kelana Jaya Line again), Bukit Kiara South (with MRT Kajang Line, between current Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara stations) and Jalan Kuching (with KTM Tanjung Malim – Port Klang again). At the Titiwangsa hub, MRT3 links up with the KL Monorail, LRT Ampang Line, LRT Sri Petaling Line and the upcoming MRT Putrajaya Line.

  

  MRT Putrajaya Line – Metro Prima station in Kepong

  The MRT3 Circle Line is 50.8 km long, 10.7 km of that will be underground, meaning that the bulk of it (40.1 km) will be elevated. According to the official map, the underground sections will be from Rejang to Setiawangsa, Universiti to Bukit Kiara South (the UM station is underground) and the long stretch from Sri Hartamas to just after Jalan Kuching station, where the line surfaces. The six stations here are also underground ones. Most of the line (39 km) will be in Kuala Lumpur, with the rest in Selangor.

  Last week, transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong told parliament that the five main packages for the MRT3 Circle Line project will be up for tender this year and are expected to be completed in phases within the next six to eight years. The project will be financed in a hybrid manner involving funding sources such as sukuk with government guarantees and also deferred payment financing, Wee said. It was previously suspended by the Pakatan Harapan government.

  It won’t be easy, especially in the land acquisition department as well as construction in highly built-up areas. If your area is covered by the loop, there will be some pain before the gains, so to speak. But MRT3 does truly look like the finishing piece that it’s billed as, giving the Klang Valley a top notch public transport network.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line project tender to be opened this year, involves five main packages – transport minister Wee

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Gerard Lye / 16 March 2022 10:06 am / 13 comments

  

  Malaysian transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said in Parliament yesterday that the five main packages for the MRT3 Circle Line will be up for tender this year and are expected to be completed in phases within the next six to eight years.

  As reported by The Star, Wee was responding to a question from Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh on the status of the MRT3 Circle Line. The project, which was previously suspended by the Pakatan Harapan administration, has recently been approved by the government.

  In a Facebook post, Wee said the MRT3 Circle Line is expected to be fully completed by 2030 and would start operating in phases, with the first to be opened as early as December 2028, subject to a land acquisition process.

  “The project will be financed in a hybrid manner involving funding sources such as sukuk with government guarantees and also deferred payment financing,” said Wee. He added that based on a technical feasibility study, the MRT3 Circle Line will be a 51-km long loop, with 39 km being within Kuala Lumpur and 12 km in Selangor.

  

  MRT Kajang Line – Taman Pertama station in Cheras

  “The ring line will cross the existing rail network, including the MRT1, MRT2, LRT, Monorail and KTM Komuter lines,” Wee explained. The project will result in 10 new interchange stations being created to form a more comprehensive public transport network. “80% of the entire alignment is an elevated route, while 20% is an underground route,” noted Wee.

  In April last year, MRT Corp considered having 30 stations for the Circle Line, with some of the proposed stations being Bukit Kiara, INTAN (National Institute of Public Administration), Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, Jalan Duta, Matrade, Jalan Kuching, Sentul West, Sentul East, Ayer Panas, Semarak, Setiawangsa, Ampang Point, Desa Pandan, Pandan Indah, Taman Perdana, Taman Midah, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (previously known as HUKM), Kuchai Lama, Old Klang Road and Pantai Dalam.

  On a separate note, Wee said recently that the government is considering imposing a congestion charge for vehicles entering Kuala Lumpur once the MRT3 Circle Line is completed.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line approved by govt – completes Klang Valley rail network with 30 stations, 10 interchanges

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 7 March 2022 10:46 am / 26 comments

  

  MRT Kajang Line – Taman Pertama station in Cheras

  The MRT3 Circle Line has been approved by the government. This was confirmed by prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob late last week. Transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said in April 2021 that MRT3 – previously suspended by the Pakatan Harapan administration – is a go.

  The PM said that priorities for the project would be given to local contractors, especially Bumiputera ones to generate business opportunities as well as create employment opportunities. “The implementation of this project will drive the country’s economic growth and development, in line with the objective of the government to empower the business sector as well as creating 600,000 jobs this year,” he said.

  “The government has decided to approve the implementation of the MRT3 project to complete the existing public transportation infrastructure in the Klang Valley by providing integrated transportation system that is affordable for the people,” the Bera MP added.

  

  In a March 4 statement, MRT Corp thanked the PM for the approval. “As project developer and asset owner of the MRT3 Circle Line project, MRT Corp will continue to give priority to local contractors, including Bumiputera players, in order to create business and job opportunities for Keluarga Malaysia,” said MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim.

  The statement said that this will be achieved through greater emphasis on local rail system technologies, Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) solutions and upgrading of expertise and skill sets through various programmes such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

  Mohd Zarif added that the MRT3 project is envisaged to catalyse socio-economic growth throughout the country, increase the nation’s competitiveness in the region and uplift the well-being of Keluarga Malaysia, referencing Ismail Sabri’s slogan.

  

  MRT Putrajaya Line – Metro Prima station in Kepong

  The MRT3 is set to be the finishing piece in the Klang Valley’s rail public transport network. The loop line will be around 50 km-long, running along the perimeter of KL city and linking together places that aren’t connected in the current “spokes”. I’m thinking of Tokyo’s indispensable Yamanote Line – have you been on that?

  It was revealed in April last year that MRT Corp is looking at 30 stations for the Circle Line, including some 10 interchanges with existing rail lines. Some of the proposed stations are Bukit Kiara, INTAN (National Institute of Public Administration), Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, Jalan Duta, Matrade, Jalan Kuching, Sentul West, Sentul East, Ayer Panas, Semarak, Setiawangsa, Ampang Point, Desa Pandan, Pandan Indah, Taman Perdana, Taman Midah, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (previously known as HUKM), Kuchai Lama, Old Klang Road and Pantai Dalam.

  It was also said then that 40% of the line will be underground. The project will be built in five phases over 10 years, but each completed phase will be able to operate independently, since the Circle Line links other stations/lines together. As for funding, MRT3 will be open to Private Funding Initiative (PFI), where local private players will part-fund the project.

   

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• Private players interested in part-funding MRT3 Circle Line, MRT Corp now reviewing several PFI proposals

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 29 July 2021 4:51 pm / 1 comment

  

  MRT Corp has issued updates on the MRT3 Circle Line project, which is in the process of being revived to complete the Klang Valley’s rail network. The loop line was given the green light to proceed in April, with the government looking at private sector participation and financing in a “hybrid” system.

  Following the briefing session on the project in April, MRT Corp has received several Private Funding Initiative (PFI) propositions for MRT3. MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim says it is still evaluating the merits of the PFI scheme.

  “In view of this, MRT Corp needs to adjust the timeline for the tender process for the first package of the project. MRT Corp will announce the new date for the calling of the tender in the future,” he said. It was earlier said that the tender process will start in August.

  

  Zarif added that the Request For Information (RFI) exercise that started on April 9 has been completed. Over 40 submissions by “major players of the construction industry in Malaysia” were received when the submission period ended on May 25.

  “We have engaged the players who participated in the RFI and we have provided them with feedback on the information given,” the MRT Corp chief said, explaining that the RFI exercise was to enable MRT Corp to gauge the interest, capacity and capability of local players of construction industry in relation to the project. The info will also help MRT Corp in establishing the best structure for the MRT3 project.

  It was revealed in April that MRT Corp is looking at 30 stations for the Circle Line, including some 10 interchanges with existing rail lines. Some of the proposed stations are Bukit Kiara, INTAN (National Institute of Public Administration), Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, Jalan Duta, Matrade, Jalan Kuching, Sentul West, Sentul East, Ayer Panas, Semarak, Setiawangsa, Ampang Point, Desa Pandan, Pandan Indah, Taman Perdana, Taman Midah, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (previously known as HUKM), Kuchai Lama, Old Klang Road and Pantai Dalam.

  

  MRT Putrajaya Line alignment and stations – click to enlarge

  The proposed line will be around 50 km long, and 40% of it will be underground. The project will be built in five phases over 10 years, but each completed phase will be able to operate independently, as the Circle Line links other stations/lines together.

  Zarif said in April that MRT Corp aims to use the project as a catalyst to spur the local supply chain and construction players through an “industry development” tender system.

  He added that contracts will be awarded based on technological adoption, among others, including the use of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling, modern construction methods that are faster and more sustainable. IBS might reduce foreign worker dependency, as it makes construction easier and safer by being off-site. It’s hoped that this might attract more locals.

  MRT3 is for the future, but the MRT Putrajaya Line – formerly known as the Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) Line – is just around the corner now. The second MRT line will open in November 2021, a three-month delay from its original target of August due to an extension of trial operations as a result of the MCO.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line targets 30 stations, 10 interchanges – up to 30% private sector funding, tender opens in Aug

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 14 April 2021 3:00 pm / 8 comments

  

  The previously-suspended MRT3 project, which was supposed to complete the Klang Valley’s rail network by being the Circle Line loop, has been given the green light to proceed by the government, as announced by transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong earlier this month.

  MRT Corp is being given three months to update the previously-conducted studies on the MRT3 project, which will be presented to the cabinet. The media was given a “refresher course” on the topic yesterday and here are some info from various reports from the event.

  The proposal is looking at 30 stations, including some 10 interchanges. Some of the proposed MRT stations that will be confirmed in the coming months are Bukit Kiara, INTAN (National Institute of Public Administration), Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, Jalan Duta, Matrade, Jalan Kuching, Sentul West, Sentul East, Ayer Panas, Semarak, Setiawangsa, Ampang Point, Desa Pandan, Pandan Indah, Taman Perdana, Taman Midah, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (previously known as HUKM), Kuchai Lama, Old Klang Road and Pantai Dalam.

  

  MRT Corp CEO Mohd Zarif Mohd Hashim was quoted by FMT as saying that the line will be around 50 km long, and 40% of it will be underground. The project will be built in five phases over 10 years, but each completed phase will be able to operate independently, as the Circle Line links other stations/lines together. “We are trying to do it in an overall 10-year period instead of seven. We need to further local technology development so we are not going to rush this project,” he said.

  A big project such as this will inevitably raise questions about funding, specifically the government’s ability to bankroll the project. This is why MRT Corp is looking at private sector participation and financing in a “hybrid” system. They are looking at up to 30% funding from the private sector.

  “The government is prepared to fund this project but they are also giving an opportunity for MRT Corp to come up with our own private funding proposal. Right now, we are looking at a hybrid model. The project is reliant on government support, but we are trying to help the government,” Mohd Zarif told the media, reported by the Malay Mail.

  

  The MRT Corp chief described MRT3 as a game-changing project for the construction industry and urban development, with big infrastructure plans that will include affordable housing and transit-oriented developments (TODs). He said MRT Corp aims to use the project as a catalyst to spur the local supply chain and construction players through an “industry development” tender system.

  Mohd Zarif added that contracts will be awarded based on technological adoption, among others, including the use of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling, modern construction methods that are faster and more sustainable. It is said that the use of IBS might reduce foreign worker dependency, as it makes construction easier and safer by being off-site. It’s hoped that this might attract more locals. The tender process will start in August.

  While the MRT Corp CEO did not disclose the total project cost they’re looking at, he told the media that is not too far from the estimates previously quoted by analysts, who have previously mentioned sums from RM20 billion to RM30 billion, according to The Malaysian Reserve. As always, a new rail line will spur economic growth, and “we want the multiplier effect,” Mohd Zarif said.

  

  MRT Putrajaya Line alignment and stations – click to enlarge

  Expect more updates on the MRT3 soon, as the alignment and station locations are firmed up and private players enter the fray.

  But even as plans for the Klang Valley’s third MRT line is drawn, the second one – the MRT Putrajaya Line, formerly known as the Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) Line – is almost ready to roll.

  MRT Corp said earlier this month that Phase One of the RM30.53 billion project – from Kwasa Damansara to Kampung Batu – is 97% complete, and is on track to start operations in August this year. The company said that the remaining work involves testing and commissioning of mechanical and electrical systems as well as trial operations. Phase Two, which is from Kampung Batu to Putrajaya Sentral, is scheduled to start operations in January 2023, completing the 57.7 km line.

   

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• MRT3 Circle Line being reviewed, govt studying funding options, decision by mid-2020 – Loke

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / 24 December 2019 9:40 am / 25 comments

  

  The MRT Line 3 (MRT3), also known as the MRT Circle Line, which was postponed when Pakatan Harapan came into power, is being reviewed and the government is studying various funding options, Starbiz reports.

  The goal is to lower costs, and the report mentions the option of getting property developers and owners to partially fund the project. The experts they spoke to mentioned a “Rail plus Property” model seen in Singapore and Hong Kong, which could see the private sector partially fund the project, since the government can’t fully do so on its own.

  The report adds that consultants have been appointed to find a suitable model, and a decision on the MRT3 project will be made in middle of next year.

  “The project was suspended primarily because of the cost factor. But we are prepared to review the project,” transport minister Anthony Loke told StarBiz, adding that the finance ministry has shown willingness to discuss the project.

  

  Loke said that from his ministry’s point of view, MRT3 is important as it will complete the rail network in the Klang Valley. However, the country’s fiscal position will have to be taken into consideration.

  “The review is on the premise that the cost has to be lowered. How it will be lowered is a subject of discussion. It will be a new mechanism and a new model of development if ever we proceed with the project to make it cost effective and higher in terms of return on investment,” he told The Star‘s business section, adding that “we hope we can reach a decision by mid-2020, that is six months down the road.”

  Following the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line and MRT Sungai Buloh–Serdang–Putrajaya line, the MRT Circle Line in its original form was supposed to be a fully automated and driverless rail system extension forming a loop line of the Klang Valley integrated transit system. Targeted for completion by 2025, the 40 km-long MRT3 was meant to provide coverage in areas surrounding Bandar Malaysia, Ampang, KL Ecocity, Bukit Kiara and Sentul. Connecting the dots, it would have been the finishing line for the city’s rail network.

  Of the 26 planned stations, 19 are underground and the cost of underground stations are much higher than at those above ground. About 60% of the project involves tunnelling works, the report says.

  

  

  

  Experts Starbiz talked to believe that for the MRT3 to proceed, there needs to be a public-private partnership where land owners and property developers work together with the government to develop infrastructure.

  “The study done by the consultants will draft the alignment for certain stations and it will be vastly different from the existing model. Often the connections are afterthoughts, but this time around it is during the planning that the locations will be integrated by asking the developers to contribute the construction.

  “This is a framework that the new review may be based on and it will identify tangible benefits, and it can be for existing and new property developments. It is not just alignment but land value capture and we can learn from the Singapore and Hong Kong models. They have set the benchmark,” the report’s source said.

  In this model, the developers will have to help partially fund the connection to their buildings and trend has shown that existing MRT stations are strong selling points for new and existing property developments. This will boost property values (TOD concept, 100 metres from MRT station, direct link to MRT and so on) and increase footfall for shopping malls. This win-win method could be the way forward.

   

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• MRT Line 3 rail project postponed, not scrapped: Loke

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Anthony Lim / 1 August 2018 10:23 am / 39 comments

  

  The government says that the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT3), which was initially announced as having been scrapped, has merely been postponed. This was revealed by transport minister Anthony Loke, who said that the decision to put aside the rail project for now was to reduce the burden of the government’s debt.

  He said that major projects such as the MRT3 will be given priority if the country’s financial position was recovering, adding that the cabinet will determine when construction will resume, Bernama reports.

  “Any such big decision needs to get the Cabinet’s approval. At present, the government’s priority is to reduce the rate of national debt first but for crucial projects like MRT3, when the country’s financial status recovers, it will certainly be given priority to be reviewed,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat.

  He was replying to a question from Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau), who asked about the rationale and implication of the scrapping of public transport projects such as the MRT3. Loke said that the government did not deny that MRT3 would bring various benefits, but its implementation should be reviewed for optimum results in view of the excessively high national debt at present.

  

  

  “As the MRT3 line passes through urban centres with high density, almost 80% of the line is underground, which contributes to the costly construction cost that is expected to reach RM50 billion,” Loke said.

  Also known as the MRT Circle Line, the fully automated and driverless rail system extension was to have formed the loop line of the Greater KL/Klang Valley integrated transit system. Originally targeted for completion by 2025, the 40 km-long MRT3 was meant to provide coverage in areas surrounding Bandar Malaysia, Ampang, KL Ecocity, Bukit Kiara and Sentul.

  Loke said that the government’s priority is to get more people to use the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line as well as the feeder bus service. He said that from January to May this year, the average daily ridership on the MRT was 146,842 commuters, which meant that only one-third of the 450,000 capacity was being utilised.

  

  

  He added that the government is continuing to look into the introduction of a RM100 monthly public transportation pass, a pledge it made in its GE14 election manifesto. Loke said the implications of the move are currently being studied from a financial point of view. If approved by the cabinet, he said it could be introduced early next year, thereby encouraging more to use the MRT.

  Loke said that the government will also prioritise the overhaul of the country’s bus network as well as improving the KTM Komuter system in the Klang Valley via upgrading and repairing works on the railway structure.

  “The postponement of the MRT3 project gives us the opportunity to review our budget priority, in which the government will give new focus on improving bus services and infrastructure development not only in the Klang Valley but throughout Malaysia in line with the government’s manifesto to improve the quality and coverage of public transport service,” he said.

   

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• Government pulls the plug on MRT Line 3 rail project

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Anthony Lim / 30 May 2018 1:57 pm / 48 comments

  

  The KL-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) isn’t the only rail project that has been called off in a bid to save money – the government has also decided to pull the plug on the proposed Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line 3, according to The Star.

  The announcement was made by prime mnister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad earlier today following a Cabinet meeting. He said that the government is reviewing all projects that were previously initiated by the administration of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

  Also known as the MRT Circle Line, the fully automated and driverless rail system extension was to have formed the loop line of the Greater KL/Klang Valley integrated transit system. Originally targeted for completion by 2025, MRT3 was meant to provide coverage in areas surrounding Bandar Malaysia, Ampang, KL Ecocity, Bukit Kiara and Sentul.

  This will leave the Klang Valley with two MRT lines. The first, the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line, was completed in two stages, with Phase 1 commencing operations in December 2016 and Phase 2 in July last year. Construction of the second Sungai Buloh-Putrajaya line has already begun, and it is expected to be completed by 2022.

   

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• Govt mulls speeding up of MRT Line 3 project – report

  In Local News, Public Transport / By Jonathan Lee / 7 September 2017 11:59 am / 9 comments

  

  The third and final piece (for now) of the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, MRT Line 3 or the Circle Line, was originally planned for completion in 2027. However, the government is now studying plans to fast-track its construction due to the benefits of the project, according to The Star.

  Transport minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai reportedly said that prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has approved the proposal as it would spur the development of Greater Kuala Lumpur.

  “We have planned for the completion of MRT2 by 2022 and MRT3 by 2027. However, looking at the benefits of the MRT, the ministry is proposing if we can bring forward the construction of MRT3,” he said, adding that the study involves several other agencies, such as the Economic Planning Unit, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and the Prime Minister’s Department.

  Completing the line early, Liow added, would put it in line with the completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in 2024 and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) in 2026. “This will allow better mobility within Greater Kuala Lumpur which will see an influx of tourists and people,” he said.

  The Circle Line rounds out the three currently planned MRT lines. The first, the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line, was completed in two stages, with Phase 1 from Sungai Buloh to Semantan opening to the public in December last year and Phase 2 from Semenyih to Kajang going into service on July 17. Construction of the second Sungai Buloh-Putrajaya line has already begun, and carries the aforementioned 2022 completion date.

   

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