Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd will replace 26 Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains on the Kelana Jaya Line in phases, with the first new train expected to arrive in 2029 and the full rollout scheduled for completion by end-2030.
Rapid Rail LRT chief operating officer Nor Azmi Mohd Yusof said the exercise is part of a long-term improvement plan aimed at enhancing operational reliability and managing rising passenger demand, which has increased by more than 11% this year.
He said the operator is also adopting a more proactive maintenance approach for existing trains through condition-based monitoring to ensure early detection of potential faults and timely replacement of components.
“Under the manual system, components may be replaced every six months or a year, but under this approach we conduct more frequent inspections due to the ageing trains,” he said at a media briefing following a session on Kelana Jaya Line services and improvements at the Rapid Rail Subang Complex.
“If within three months there are signs of damage to any component, we will replace it immediately to ensure the trains remain safe and reliable until the new trains arrive,” he added.
Nor Azmi said Rapid Rail does not dismiss the fact that the ageing fleet, which is nearing 30 years in service, has contributed to certain operational disruptions, although some issues were also linked to ongoing system stabilisation works.
Following an incident involving a melted battery cable on 12 May, he said all trains underwent comprehensive inspections, with no additional faults detected in the current operating fleet.
He said the upgrade programme is aimed at improving capacity and efficiency while reducing reliance on assets that have been in service since 1998.
At the same time, Rapid Rail is upgrading key systems including radio communications, signalling infrastructure and the digitalisation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to strengthen monitoring and enable faster real-time response.
To support station operations, Rapid Rail has deployed Rapid Troopers to manage passenger flow during peak hours and placed Transit Officers (TO) onboard trains to assist passengers and coordinate immediate responses during technical issues or emergencies.
Nor Azmi said all initiatives are being implemented in phases, with completion targeted by 2030, as part of Rapid Rail’s continuous improvement plan to ensure the Kelana Jaya Line remains a safe, stable and resilient backbone of urban public transport.
TV3
