Kuala lumpur: A total of 26 new trains for the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line are expected to begin operating in 2031 in an effort to increase capacity and operational efficiency as well as reduce service disruptions to users.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, LRT Rapid Rail chief operating officer, Nor Azmi Mohd Yusof, stated that the process of replacing existing trains had begun, with the first train scheduled to arrive in 2029 before the entire replacement is targeted to be completed by the end of 2030. He emphasized that the implementation of the project is a long-term measure to ensure a more stable, safe, and resilient public transport system in the future.
Nor Azmi explained that as a short-term measure, while awaiting the arrival of 26 new train sets in phases until the end of 2030, Rapid Rail is now adopting the condition-based maintenance (CBM) approach. Through this proactive approach, inspections are carried out more frequently, and any components showing early signs of damage are replaced immediately without having to wait for the original replacement schedule in the maintenance manual.
Commenting on the increase in the number of users, Nor Azmi noted that the load factor for the Kelana Jaya Line had reached 109 percent in April. To address the 11 percent increase in users this year, Rapid Rail is taking proactive measures by increasing the number of trains in operation to shorten the waiting time for users. He assured that trains will only be released for operation after ensuring they are safe to use, and congestion control management is being implemented in phases to ensure platform safety.
The process of stabilizing the system, which is being upgraded, will continue to be monitored to reduce disruption to users and is expected to take between one and two years based on the project's defect liability period. Nor Azmi also noted the increasing tendency of the public to use public transport following the government's petrol subsidy adjustment measures. This trend is seen as a significant responsibility that needs to be shouldered by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) and Rapid Rail, ensuring that rail services in the Klang Valley continue to operate efficiently.