KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 29): Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has invested RM1 billion for 50 new light rail vehicles (LRV) for the LRT Ampang Line, as well as for the extension project, according to group managing director Azmi Abdul Aziz.

“Prasarana had invested about RM1 billion for 50 trains — 20 under the extension project and 30 to replace the current trains at the Ampang Line. The first eight trains will be operational by late this year,” said Azmi.

Elaborating on the purpose of the investment, Azmi said it was part of the initiative to encourage use of public transportation.

“These initiatives are part of effort to encourage the “rakyat” to use public transportation. We expect the extended LRT lines and new trains to double the current passengers from 180,000, as the new lines would extend into areas that are not being covered,” he said.

The LRV supply contractor for the project is CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company — which will deliver the first 35 trains from China, while the remaining 15 will be locally assembled at the Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Ltd (ZELC) plant, located in Batu Gajah, Perak.