MRT3 Circle Line Gets Final Approval: A Game-Changer for Klang Valley’s Public Transport

The long-awaited Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) Circle Line has officially received the green light from the Malaysian government, marking a major milestone in the nation’s public transport development. Envisioned as the missing link to complete Klang Valley’s urban rail network, the MRT3 will serve as the “wheel” connecting the city’s multiple “spokes” — the MRT, LRT, KTM, and Monorail lines — into a seamless, integrated system.

Spanning approximately 51.6 km, the MRT3 will feature 32 stations, including 10 interchange hubs for easier transfers, 22 elevated stops, 7 underground stations, and 3 provisional ones for future expansion. When completed, a full loop on the MRT3 is expected to take just 73 minutes, drastically reducing the need for commuters to pass through congested city-centre routes.

MRT3 Project Timeline and Costs

Following the approval, land acquisition is set to be completed by the end of 2026, with construction expected to start in 2027. The line is projected to become fully operational between 2030 and 2032, depending on final schedules.

The MRT3 is estimated to cost around RM31 billion for construction, with RM6–7 billion allocated for land purchases, bringing the total project cost to under RM45 billion. Beyond improving public mobility, the project is expected to stimulate Malaysia’s construction sector over the next decade.

Closing the Connectivity Gap

The MRT3’s route has been designed to address long-standing gaps in the Klang Valley’s rail network, serving high-density but previously underserved areas such as Mont Kiara, Titiwangsa, Pandan Indah, Pantai Dalam, and the University of Malaya.

By linking multiple lines into a continuous loop, the MRT3 will provide commuters with more travel options, reduce dependence on road transport, and shorten journey times between suburbs without passing through the city’s core.

Public Support and Adjustments

Public feedback played a crucial role in shaping the final MRT3 design. During the public inspection phase, over 45,000 responses were received, with an overwhelming 93.3% in favour of the project.

In response to citizen concerns, MRT Corp reduced land acquisition requirements from 1,012 plots to 690, reconfiguring certain station and viaduct placements to minimize disruption to homes and businesses. Collaboration with elected representatives, resident associations, and business groups ensured that the final alignment balanced engineering efficiency with community needs.

Citizen Expectations: Met or Missed?

Citizen Requests	MRT3 Response
Better connectivity in underserved areas	Covered — major neighbourhoods are now on the route
Faster and more convenient travel	Achieved through loop design and multiple interchanges
Reduced land acquisition impact	Land plots reduced by one-third
Affordable, reliable urban transport	The fare structure is yet to be revealed, and the execution timeline is critical

While the MRT3 appears to address the majority of commuter demands, its ultimate success will depend on the timely delivery of services, effective cost control, and a fare system that remains accessible to everyday Malaysians.

Once operational, the MRT3 will redefine public transport in the Klang Valley, offering a more connected, efficient, and sustainable way to travel. If executed as planned, it could be one of the most impactful infrastructure projects in Malaysia’s history, transforming how millions navigate the nation’s busiest metropolitan region.

References

1. Focus Malaysia – “Final railway scheme for MRT3 approved, paving way for next phase”https://focusmalaysia.my/final-railway-scheme-for-mrt3-approved-paving-way-for-next-phase/

2. Malay Mail – “MRT3 gets final nod: 51.6km Circle Line to complete Klang Valley rail network by 2026”https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/17/mrt3-gets-final-nod-516km-circle-line-to-complete-klang-valley-rail-network-by-2026/184264

3. Tradelink Media – “Final railway scheme for Malaysia’s MRT3 approved”https://www.tradelinkmedia.biz/publications/7/news/3612

4. MRT Corp – “MRT3 Circle Line Project Overview”https://www.mymrt.com.my/projects/mrt3-circle-line/

The Uncommon Breed

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