PETALING JAYA, 13 April 2021:
As the third Klang Valley mass rapid transit (MRT 3) line is envisioned as a circular loop linking up with the various rail networks already operating – the Kelana and Ampang LRT lines, KL Monorail, KTM Komuter, ERL, MRT Kajang line – and the Putrajaya MRT line soon, its development will be conducted in five phases over a period of up to 10 years.
At a briefing today, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim this multi-phase approach will allow parts of the MRT 3 line to be operational earlier, linking up between two interchange stations.
“If all goes well, a phase can take between five to seven years to be completed and become operational. Tunnelling will take longer, about seven years while aboveground linkages can be done faster. We plan to start operations for each phase once that’s completed rather than having to wait for the entire loop to be ready.”
Noting the request for information (RFI) to industry players has already been made available last week and aiming to call for tenders come August – once the necessary detailed approvals are received from the government – it looks likely the first phases of MRT 3 will become operational from 2027-8 onwards.
Mohd Zarif stressed the approach for MRT 3 will be vastly different from previous rail network design and construction – aiming to conduct a larger chunk of the building process to be conducted offsite.
He said concepts like building information modelling and industrial building systems will be key for firms which want to participate in the MRT 3 construction tenders as modular design installations will be given greater emphasis to save on initial and future maintenance costs.
“We also want each station to be a destination in itself, while also acting as catalysts for urban redevelopment of the surrounding areas. To achieve this vision, we want private developers to become involved as strategic partners with MRT 3 rather than just following construction design.
“As the final component of the urban transport masterplan drafted in the early 2000s, we need to make sure this is given greater emphasis to enhance living and travel experience within the city, instead of just being a point-to-point mode of travel.”
Given this outlook for MRT 3, Mohd Zarif said efforts will be made to increase aboveground developments at each station to optimise appeal to both commuters and nearby residents; while increasing the economic attractiveness for private developer partners to be extra creative.
“While the government is capable of fully funding this 50km rail network project, MRT Corp is aiming to have private funding of up to 30% to relieve some of this financial burden on the government.”
All these factors are being considered as MRT Corp is reviewing possible options for where the stations should be located and how the rail network is to be aligned, he explained.