KUALA LUMPUR, November 5 – The estimated cost of the LRT3 project has risen to RM21.93 billion, following the reinstatement of five previously cancelled stations, which adds RM5.3 billion to the original budget. The 2024 budget announced the return of Tropicana (formerly Lien Hoe), Temasya, Raja Muda (Sirim), Bukit Raja, and Bandar Botanik stations, significantly impacting the overall project cost.
Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah addressed the Dewan Rakyat, explaining that the project’s cost was initially reduced to RM16.63 billion in 2018 as part of government cost-saving measures. He noted that despite the recent increase, the total cost remains lower than the original estimate of RM31.65 billion, reflecting savings of RM9.72 billion.
Funding sources for the reinstated scope are under consideration, with technical and financial details expected to be finalized soon. Physical construction is projected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with completion anticipated by late 2027 and operations expected to begin in the second quarter of 2028.
