LRT Line Extension Project – Railway Technology

This article explores the significant LRT (Light Rail Transit) line extension project undertaken in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The project aimed to expand the existing Kelana Jaya and Ampang lines, significantly increasing the capacity and coverage of the city’s public transportation network. This expansion was crucial to address the growing population and commute demands within Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas. The project’s success hinged on several key factors: meticulous planning and execution, efficient management of resources, successful integration of advanced technology, and commitment to sustainable practices. The analysis will delve into the project’s scope, technological advancements, financial aspects, and overall impact on the city’s transportation infrastructure and its citizens. The ultimate goal of the project was to provide a more efficient, accessible, and convenient public transportation system for the burgeoning population of the region. This improvement in public transit was projected to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life within Kuala Lumpur.

Project Overview and Scope

The Kuala Lumpur LRT system’s expansion involved extending both the Kelana Jaya and Ampang lines. The Ampang Line extension, spanning 17.7km, included 13 new stations, running from Sri Petaling Station through Kinrara and Puchong to Putra Heights. The Kelana Jaya Line extension added 17km of track and 12 new stations, starting from Lembah Subang Kelana Business Centre and extending through Subang, USJ, and Alam Megah to Putra Heights. Both extensions were designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing LRT network, utilizing a single ticketing system for ease of transfer. A critical aspect was the incorporation of Universal Access facilities in all new stations, ensuring accessibility for disabled commuters. This involved the strategic implementation of ramps, tactile paving, lowered ticket counters, and accessible restrooms, complemented by modern amenities such as lifts, escalators, and public telephones.

Technological Advancements and Infrastructure

The project showcased significant advancements in railway technology. The construction involved the installation of over 12,692 segmental box girders (SBGs) – 6,100 for the Ampang line and 6,592 for the Kelana Jaya line. This extensive infrastructure project also required significant advance works including the careful relocation of existing utilities like telecommunication cables, power lines, sewer pipes, and gas pipelines. The project also introduced 50 new six-car light rail vehicles (LRVs), supplied by CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotives (China). 30 LRVs replaced older trains on the Kelana Jaya line, with the remaining 20 operating on the Ampang line. These modern LRVs offered a top speed of 80km/h and a passenger capacity of up to 1,308, featuring articulated light railway technology for minimal turning radius. The inclusion of dynamic route displays, CCTV cameras, and LCD infotainment screens enhanced passenger experience and safety.

Project Management and Financing

The project was executed in phases, with each line extension divided into packages A and B. Package A for the Ampang line extended from Seri Petaling to Station No. 5 (7.4km), while Package B continued to Putra Heights (10.3km). The Kelana Jaya line followed a similar division, with Package A extending from Kelana Jaya Station to Station 7 (9.2km), and Package B reaching Putra Heights (7.8km). This phased approach allowed for better project management and risk mitigation. The project’s total estimated cost was RM7 billion (approximately $2.1 billion USD). Several companies played significant roles: Trans Resources handled facilities works for the Kelana Jaya line (RM950m), UEM Builders and Intria Bina collaborated on SBG fabrication and delivery (RM93.2m), while Bina Puri and Tim Sekata JV undertook facilities works and SBG fabrication for the Ampang line (RM634m). The George Kent and Lion Pacific JV managed system commissioning for the Ampang line extension, and Huawei supplied the railway communication system.

Project Timeline and Outcomes

The project timeline spanned several years, starting with the Environmental Impact Assessment approval in 2009 and construction commencing in 2010. The phased approach saw the first stage of the Ampang line extension (four stations) operational by October 2015, with completion of the entire project by the first quarter of 2016. The project significantly increased the ridership, exceeding expectations from the initial 200,000 passengers to more than 400,000. This expansion played a vital role in alleviating traffic congestion and providing a more efficient public transportation solution for Kuala Lumpur’s commuters. The success of the project is measured not only by its on-time completion and adherence to the budget but also by its positive impact on the daily lives of thousands of people.

Conclusions

The Kuala Lumpur LRT line extension project represents a significant achievement in urban rail development. The successful completion, despite the scale and complexity, showcases the effective planning, implementation, and collaboration of various stakeholders. The strategic use of phased construction, leveraging modern technology, and integrating accessibility features demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. The project’s positive impact is evident in the increased ridership, reduced traffic congestion, and improved quality of life for Kuala Lumpur’s residents. While the financial investment was substantial (RM7 billion or approximately $2.1 billion USD), the long-term benefits in terms of improved transportation efficiency, economic growth, and environmental sustainability far outweigh the costs. This project serves as a model for future urban rail expansion projects, highlighting the importance of comprehensive planning, innovative technology, and effective project management in achieving successful and sustainable outcomes. The seamless integration of the new lines with the existing network, the introduction of advanced LRVs, and the focus on universal accessibility have significantly improved the overall commuter experience. Future planning for expansion within Kuala Lumpur’s mass transit system should continue to integrate best practices gleaned from this project.

Company Information:

• Prasarana: Parent company of RapidKL, responsible for overseeing the LRT project.
• RapidKL: The operating company for the LRT network in Kuala Lumpur.
• CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotives: Chinese company that supplied the new LRVs.
• Trans Resources: Awarded contract for facilities works on the Kelana Jaya line.
• UEM Builders: Part of a joint venture for SBG fabrication and delivery.
• Intria Bina: Part of a joint venture for SBG fabrication and delivery.
• Bina Puri: Part of a joint venture for facilities works and SBG fabrication on the Ampang line.
• Tim Sekata: Part of a joint venture for facilities works and SBG fabrication on the Ampang line.
• George Kent: Part of a joint venture for system commissioning on the Ampang line.
• Lion Pacific: Part of a joint venture for system commissioning on the Ampang line.
• Huawei: Provided the railway communication system.