Kelana Jaya LRT line to have 19 new trains by end 2023

PUTRAJAYA: The Kelana Jaya LRT line will be getting 19 new trains in phases by the end of 2023, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister also said the upgrading exercise for existing Bombardier 818 trains plying the line will cost about RM800mil.

Dr Wee said the four-car train model had been operating for over 14 years, and is well due for a Level 4 maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

"The Level 4 MRO is a very important exercise that will help extend its lifespan.

"This is a typical maintenance that has to be done periodically to improve train services.

"For this, we need to spend and allocate RM800mil to undergo a mid-life refurbishment exercise for the 28 four-car train sets," said Dr Wee at a press conference at the ministry here Wednesday (May 25).

The Kelana Jaya LRT line has had several disruptions recently due to brake-related malfunctions.

"I was briefed by the Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd managements on disruption to the automatic train control (ATC) system affecting the Bombardier 818 four-car train fleet.

"These disruptions have caused a total of 38 emergency braking incidents between April 1 to May 5.

"From the data obtained, these disruptions are found to have been caused by problems related to the tachometer, electronic units and antenna, among others.

"Damaged components will be replaced while dynamic tests will be conducted to ensure this problem does not repeat. We target this to be completed by August this year," said Dr Wee.

On the May 20 disruption on the Kelana Jaya LRT line which was caused by brake caliper hydraulic leakage, Dr Wee said repair works are ongoing and should be completed by November.

To manage cases of train disruption, Dr Wee said extra buses would be added to strategic hubs like the Bangsar LRT station and the Pasar Seni hub, which will serve as alternative modes of transport if delays occur.