KUALA LUMPUR (March 15): The Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) Circle Line project, which is estimated to cost around RM31 billion, will be fully operational by 2030 after receiving the approval from the government. Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has also been appointed the project developer and asset owner.
Speaking at MRT Corp’s media briefing, its chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim (pictured) said the project’s construction cost is expected to be RM31 billion pending confirmation after the completion of the open tender exercise.
Zarif noted that the price tag of RM31 billion is similar with the MRT2 line that plies between Sungai Buloh and Putrajaya, which is scheduled to commence operation in the second quarter of 2022.
MRT3 Circle Line will have a circular alignment running along the perimeter of Kuala Lumpur City at about 51km in length, split between 40km of elevated tracks and 11km of underground tunnels, he added.
The current proposed alignment of MRT3 Circle Line will have 31 stations with 10 of them serving as interchange stations with the eight existing rail lines in the Klang Valley.
“The project was a result of various studies and engagements over the past year following the government’s approval for MRT Corp to carry out technical studies in April last year.
“Last year, we shared several insights on how MRT3 Circle Line would be designed. Our approach now is holistic and consistent with those design principles; alignment that delivers multiple benefits, high-value creation to the economy, utilisation of optimal cost and funding mechanism, and driving long lasting residual value,” Zarif said.
Zarif stressed that the MRT3 Circle Line’s alignment not only includes connectivity to underserved areas of the city but also the establishment of a multi-model transit hub, development of local enterprises which are able to become regional champions to compete beyond Malaysia in providing maintenance, repair and operations services.
He added that MRT Corp will hold more briefings to share more details on the MRT3 Circle Line blueprint as the project progresses.