Circling Kuala Lumpur like a futuristic serpent the MRT Circle Line is not just transport. It is a vision of connectivity. Let’s explore the story behind this ambitious project known also as MRT 3.
The MRT Circle Line is planned as the thirteenth rail transit line. It will be the third Mass Rapid Transit line in the Klang Valley. This line is designed to loop around Kuala Lumpur. It links up radial rail lines forming a crucial part of the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System. Tuan Haji Mohd Yusof Kasiron directs this project. The line is numbered 13 and will be coloured blue violet on transit maps. Until recently it was grey.
Imagine traveling on a fully automated driverless system. The MRT Circle Line promises just that. It will be the fifth fully automated and driverless rail system in the Klang Valley. Construction is expected to begin in 2026. Full operation is slated for 2032. The estimated cost is around RM31 billion. Land acquisition will cost an additional RM8.4 billion.
The MRT Circle Line will span 50.8 km. It features 32 stations. There will be 25 elevated and 7 underground stations. The line forms a loop from Bukit Kiara to PPUM. It connects densely populated areas. Think of Mont Kiara Segambut Titiwangsa and Cheras. The MRT Circle Line aims to integrate these communities.
The project has faced twists and turns. MRT Corp planned to submit the study by the end of 2016. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai wanted to fast-track completion before 2027. Prime Minister Najib Razak aimed for 2025. But in May 2018 Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad shelved the project.
However the dream did not die. In November 2020 the project was revived. The Cabinet approved MRT3 in April 2021. Construction was slated to begin in the second half of that year. The project includes about 30 stations and 10 interchanges. It covers Kuala Lumpur from Bukit Kiara to University Malaya Medical Centre.
MRT Corp CEO Mohd Zarif Hashim emphasized the line’s importance. It will complete the transport masterplan for Klang Valley. It connects eight different radial lines. This will deliver passengers more efficiently.
In March 2022 Prime Minister Ismail Sabri announced the project would proceed again. The line will run along Kuala Lumpur’s perimeter. It stretches 51 km split between elevated tracks and underground tunnels. The first phase is expected to begin in 2028 with full operation by 2030.
The government reevaluated expenses in the 2023 Budget. The aim was to lower the total cost to less than RM45 billion. MRT Corp extended the deadline for job tenders to the end of 2023.
Public inspection began on September 2 2024 and lasted three months. MRT Corp created a microsite detailing the alignment and station features. Info kiosks were set up in MRT stations. Info trucks visited key sites along the alignment.
The infographic alignment map was updated on July 4 2024. It showed a new purple colour scheme. The map did not include Mont Kiara station on its alignment. There will be 32 stations including provisional ones. The stations have interim names subject to change.
Consider Bukit Kiara Selatan station. It is an elevated interchange with the MRT Kajang Line. Sri Hartamas station is underground serving Mont Kiara. Titiwangsa station is an elevated interchange. It connects to multiple lines including the LRT Ampang Line and KL Monorail Line. Universiti station connects to the LRT Kelana Jaya Line. UM station is underground serving the University of Malaya.
The MRT Circle Line promises to reshape Kuala Lumpur’s transport landscape. It will connect communities reduce congestion and drive economic growth. It is a loop of possibilities.