Klang Valley rail transport route overhaul underway: Loke

KUALA LUMPUR – Overhaul and replacement works to rectify recurring problems with mass rail transport systems in the Klang Valley will be completed between 2025 and 2027 for different routes, Transport Minister Anthony Loke told the Dewan Rakyat today. 

However, train frequency on some of these lines will begin to see some improvements from August and September this year as work is underway, he said when giving a breakdown of the work. 

These include an overhaul of all train component systems on the Ampang LRT route, Loke said when answering Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang-PH) who asked about plans to address frequent rail system woes faced by commuters. 

The overhaul involves all 50 trains on the Ampang route and began in October last year with completion due in December 2027. 

On the Kelana Jaya LRT route, 19 new sets of 4-car trains will be purchased in stages beginning August this year until the end of next year. 

The purchase will be accelerated, Loke said, so as to replace 2-car trains which are now obsolete. 

“This will increase the frequency of trains starting in September 2023. With more frequent services, it will reduce congestion, especially during peak hours as well as reduce damage during operating hours. 

For the monorail line, one train is being rehabilitated while two new trains will be completed in March 2025. 

“This will allow a train frequency of every 5 minutes during peak hours,” Loke said. 

On the Kajang MRT route, train wheels are being replaced on all 58 trains. This will be fully completed by January 2025. 

Loke said the replacements are needed “due to the wheels having reached their minimum diameter earlier than the original manufacturer’s estimated lifetime”. 

“This step will increase the train frequency to 4 minutes in August 2023 compared to the frequency of 6 minutes at present.” 

The minister also said Rapid Rail and assets owner MRT Corporation Bhd are implementing a “level 4 and 5” train maintenance program for all train sub-systems to repair and upgrade trains, which includes replacing outdated sub-systems. – The Vibes, June 14, 2023