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THE Shah Alam LRT3 project has reached a key technical milestone, with five out of 22 train sets successfully completing their Fault-Free Run tests, an important step towards full system readiness and eventual passenger operations.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad confirmed that the five trains, all from the first testing group, passed the Fault-Free Run with stable and consistent operational performance. The update was delivered during a project briefing at the Setia Alam Depot in Klang.
Prasarana’s Group Chief Operating Officer for Strategy and Development, Dr Prodyut Dutt, said another train from the same group is now in the final stage of testing and is expected to complete the Fault-Free Run later today. He added that progress is also being recorded among trains in the second testing group.
“At the same time, eight train sets from group two are also in the final phase of testing and are expected to be completed in stages by Feb 2,” Berita Harian quoted him saying.
Once testing for the first and second groups is fully completed, Dr Prodyut said the contractor will be given a seven-day window to update and refine software and system operations.
Testing will then proceed with the third group, involving the remaining eight train sets, which is expected to conclude by Feb 28.
“Once the entire testing process for group one and group two is completed, the contractor will have a seven-day period to update and improve the software and system operations,” he said.
“After that, the FFR testing for group three, involving the remaining eight train sets, will resume and is expected to be completed by Feb 28.”
Dr Prodyut explained that the Fault-Free Run is a comprehensive integration test involving signalling, communications, light rail vehicles and operational control systems, designed to ensure the network functions seamlessly under real operating conditions.
All 22 train sets will also undergo a Final Detailed Inspection to verify that the trains comply with railway safety schemes and the approved technical proposals before being cleared for service.
“This is also a key prerequisite before an application for a Rail Operator Licence is submitted to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD),” he said.
“The next phase will continue with trial operations conducted by the operator, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, before the line is ready to enter full operations.”
In parallel, the project’s civil works have also inched closer to completion. Contractors confirmed that the Certificate of Completion and Compliance was fully obtained at the end of December.
The Final Detailed Inspection by APAD has been completed at 51 of the 52 locations along the alignment, with the remaining inspection involving the guideway.
Operational preparations are also underway, with Prasarana deploying 800 staff members for the Shah Alam line. About 20 per cent are experienced personnel transferred from other lines, while the remaining 80 per cent are new recruits across various disciplines, including technical roles.
While significant testing and regulatory steps remain, the completion of multiple fault-free runs marks a tangible advance for LRT3, a project that has long been under public and political scrutiny.
The coming weeks will be closely watched as further tests determine whether the line can finally move from trial phases towards full operations. - January 30, 2026