Prasarana Confirms LRT3 Opening Delayed Due To System Stability, Software Issues

SHAH ALAM, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) has confirmed that the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam Line will not commence operations this year due to outstanding system stability and software issues identified during the testing and commissioning (T&C) phase.

Prasarana Group President and Chief Executive Officer Amir Hamdan said the opening date will only be announced once all technical components, including signalling systems, train software and full network integration, are certified to operate reliably in accordance with Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) standards.

“We must prioritise safety and reliability because if train doors fail to open and passengers are forced to disembark at the next station, it clearly disrupts the travel experience.

“Instead, we want the system to be stable, safe and dependable before it is opened to the public,” he said at a media briefing on the project’s progress at the LRT3 Stadium Shah Alam Station today.

Amir said the project is currently undergoing the mandatory fault-free run (FFR), which requires trains to travel thousands of kilometres to detect any technical issues.

He said issues such as doors failing to open, trains stopping inaccurately at platforms and disruptions to automatic movement typically do not surface at 100 or 200 kilometres of testing, but only after 2,000 to 4,000 kilometres.

“This long test distance is needed to gather data that allows contractors to develop accurate software fixes or patches.

“So far, one train set has successfully completed 4,000 kilometres and serves as the reference or golden train, while three other sets have completed 3,000 kilometres,” he said.

Amir said another 18 train sets are undergoing long-distance testing to meet the minimum requirement of 2,500 kilometres before receiving operational approval.

He also said that 33 technical issues have been identified since Aug 26, all of which have been resolved through phased software updates developed by the contractor.

“Each update still requires a testing period to validate its effectiveness and to ensure issues do not recur once the line begins operations.

“Siemens, as the signalling provider, and CRRC, the train manufacturer, are providing full technical support, including expert assistance from Germany to expedite solutions,” he said.

Amir also said Prasarana continues to brief the Transport Minister on project progress once or twice weekly, depending on developments.

He said the company targets all major tests to be completed by the end of January next year, though the final schedule will only be confirmed in mid-January once system stability is fully validated.

Amir reiterated that the LRT3 project cost remains unchanged as it is implemented under a fixed-price contract, dismissing claims of cost increases arising from the delay.

-- BERNAMA

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