30 More New Trains for Kuala Lumpur, another milestone for Prasarana Malaysia Berhad @MyRapidKL

PRASARANA MD and Chairman with CSR ZELC Officials

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (PRASARANA) is at it again. Being one of the best train operators in the world, PRASARANA today signed a contract to purchase a total of 30 new six-car trains or Light Rail Vehicle (LRVs) from world renowned train manufacturer  CSR Zuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Ltd (CSR ZELC) of China. CSR ZELC has proven to be a great partner to the Malaysian railway industry as it is also the current suppliers of the new 20 six-car trains for the Ampang LRT Line Extension Project (LEP).

I have had the opportunity to visit CSR ZELC in China and their technology and facilities is just fantastic and Malaysia as a country has so much to learn from CSR ZELC. In my opinion, the purchase of trains from CSR ZELC makes sense as the country railway systems has been here since the days of the British Era with old locomotives plying the routes from North to South of the country. 

Leaders of PRASARANA and CSR ZELC

The advancement of the country railway systems via LRT and Monorail, together with the emergence of PRASARANA as a world class rail operator clearly demonstrates that the country has sufficient capability and talent to manage our railway systems. Nevertheless, due to the expansion and influx of people to urban areas, the need for bigger, safer and faster trains becomes a necessity. 

Understanding the needs of the public and with the support of the government, PRASARANA has taken proactive steps in purchasing these new trains from CSR ZELC. Tan Sri Ismail Adam, Chairman of PRASARANA today mentioned that the new trains will be equipped with enhanced safety features including CCTV, emergency windows, and fire extinguishers. 

CCTVs in the new train for better safety

This clearly demonstrates that PRASARANA is taking steps in improving its operation by not only increasing in volume, but also enhancing the safety and comfort of its passengers and this is commendable. Dato' Sri Shahril Mokhtar, who is the Group Managing Director of PRASARANA has done a remarkable job in modernizing and improving the railway operations under PRASARANA and it is hoped that with the future completion of the LRT extension project, Kuala Lumpur will have a world class railway system and operated by a world class operator in PRASARANA.