LRT3 Enters Final Testing Phase, Govt Targets Dec 31 Opening

The long-awaited LRT3 line, connecting Bandar Utama, Shah Alam and Klang, is finally inching towards completion after years of delays. 

The government is targeting Dec 31, 2025 for the launch, but Transport Minister Anthony Loke says the date will only be confirmed once every part of the system proves it can operate without issues.

Speaking during the Budget 2026 committee-level debate, Loke said safety and reliability remain the ministry’s top priorities.

“The ministry, together with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and the relevant authorities, is paying utmost priority to aspects of safety, operational reliability and technical compliance before the opening date can be finalised

"This opening date is very much subject to the results of our tests because in rail services, one of the most important aspects is the final test that is being conducted, including the fault-free run, to ensure there are no technical glitches and so on when it finally opens," Loke said. 

In recent weeks, the line has undergone multiple trial runs without passengers to stress-test stations, signalling and train operations. 

These checks, including the crucial fault-free run, will continue until the end of December. Only after that will the ministry decide if the line is ready.

“If these T and C activities can be completed as planned, the line may be ready for opening by the end of this year. However, it remains highly dependent on the outcomes of the ongoing tests," the minister added.

Ahead of its opening, Rapid Rail has hired 956 staff across engineering, technical, operations and support roles.

LRT3 has had a long and expensive journey. Initially budgeted at RM9 billion in 2016, the cost later ballooned to RM31.7 billion before a restructuring exercise reduced it to RM16.63 billion. 

The reinstatement of five previously shelved stations added RM5.3 billion, bringing the total to RM21.93 billion. Once operational, the line is expected to carry about 67,000 commuters daily.

The 20 LRT3 stations include Bandar Utama, Kayu Ara, BU11, Damansara Idaman, SS7, Glenmarie, Kerjaya, Stadium Shah Alam, Dato Menteri, UiTM Shah Alam, Bandar Baru Klang, Pasar Besar Klang, Jalan Meru, Klang, Taman Selatan, Seri Andalas, Klang Jaya, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, and Johan Setia.