New Ampang LRT line to begin operations in 2015

Stage 1 of the Ampang LRT Line Extension Project from Seri Petaling to Bandar Kinrara is expected to begin operations in October next year.

Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (Prasarana) Group Director for Project Development Division Zulkifli Mohd Yusoff said the line, which would be connected to the Kelana Jaya LRT Line Extension Project at Putra Heights, will be opened in two stages.

“The Ampang Line extension will be completed in stages with the first stage to cover the first four stations by October 30, 2015,” Zulkifli told reporters at a special visit to CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co. Ltd (CSR) here to witness the unveiling of the first set of six-car train procured by Prasarana for the project.

He said the second stage would be covering the remaining stations and scheduled for operations at the end of March 2016.

The extended Ampang Line will have 11 stations, while the extended Kelana Jaya Line would have 12 new stations.

The opening of Stage 1 of the extended Ampang Line would include new stations such as Awan Besar, Muhibbah, Alam Sutera and Kinrara BK5, benefiting residents around Bukit Jalil, Projek Perumahan Rakyat Muhibbah and Bandar Kinrara, Puchong.

Prasarana is purchasing 50 new sets of the six-car train from CSR including 30 sets to replace the current fleet, which have been in service since 1996.

Zulkilfli said the new train sets, which meet the latest international safety standards, would be equipped with universal access features including six compartments for wheelchairs.

The train operation system has also been upgraded to an automatic system under the supervision of an attendant. In addition, the trains would be equipped with a dynamic route display map, on-board CCTVs and LCD infotainment screens.

“The first set is scheduled for delivery to us in Quarter 4 0f 2014,” Zulkifl said, adding that testing and commission would commence upon arrival and that the sets would be delivered in batches.

Zulkifli was joined by Prasarana Group Director for Rail Division, Haji Khairani Mohamed, who is also the CEO of Rapid Rail, and Prasarana Group Director of Finance Datuk Mohd Zahir Zahur Hussain.

In addition to media members, the visit was also attended by Prasarana Board member Datuk Nor Azmal Mohd Nazir and Encik Azrin Abdul Majid, an alternate Director for Prasarana.

The Ampang Line currently serves some 200,000 passengers daily and the LEP is expected to more than double the number of commuters next year.