KLANG: The LRT3 Shah Alam Line is on track to begin operations as early as March following positive outcomes from ongoing test runs.
Prasarana Malaysia Bhd group chief operating officer (Strategy and Development) Dr Prodyut Dutt said on Friday (Jan 30) that the first batch of five trains out of a total of 22 train sets have successfully completed the fault-free run (FFR) test with stable and consistent operational performance.
"Another train set from the same group is currently in the final phase of testing and is expected to get through the FFR test later today.
"Another batch of eight trains are also in its final testing phase and is expected to be completed in stages by Monday (Feb 2)," he said at a media briefing with the project’s main contractor, Setia Utama LRT3 Sdn Bhd (SULRT3), here.
Dutt said that after the tests on both train groups are completed, the project contractor will be given a week to update and enhance the system software and operational settings.
He said FFR testing of the third batch of eight train sets will commence soon after and is expected to be completed by Feb 28.
"After the FFR is done, we want to start the trial run immediately on March 1.
"The trial operations will be conducted by the operator, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, before the line prepares to enter full operational service," he said.
Asked about benchmarks for the trial runs to determine suitability for public use, Dutt listed the following: "Among the factors we take into account are that there is no emergency braking, the preset stopping points are accurate, the doors open and close efficiently, and the train departs from the station based on the time specified. This shows that the software patches are working."
Dutt said the FFR is a comprehensive integration test involving signalling and communication systems, train sets (light rail vehicles) and the operational control system.
"We encountered 33 errors and glitches during the rigorous testing cycles which mainly were software related and all of which have been resolved.
"Other glitches such as docking and departing stations and doors not opening automatically were also overcome accordingly," he said.
He said subsequently, all 22 train sets will undergo a final detailed inspection aimed at checking and testing the railworthiness of the trains in compliance with the Railway Scheme and Technical Proposal documents for safe operations.
Dutt said the inspection is a key prerequisite in the application of a rail operator licence from the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
At the media briefing, a SULRT3 spokesman also said that the certificate of completion and compliance (CCC) has was also obtained by the contractor late last month.
Prasarana, the asset owner of LRT3, also said that Apad has carried out its final and detailed inspection at 51 of the 52 locations along the LRT3.
On concerns over the theft of rail line power cables, he admitted that it was an issue at one time but such occurences have sharply declined following enforcement by the police.
