by AFIQ HANIF / pic MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the 52.2km-long Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Putrajaya Line on Thursday and announced free rides until March 31, 2023.

The first phase of the rail line was launched last year by then-PM Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. The entire railway line – connecting Kuala Lumpur and the federal administrative centre Putrajaya — consists of 36 stations, including 11 elevated and 25 underground stations.

During his opening speech, Anwar said the new line would improve the connectivity and accessibility of Malaysia’s public transportation system, which would enhance economic growth and development.

He also expressed gratitude to all parties involved in constructing the MRT Putrajaya Line, stating that it was an important milestone for the country.

“In regards to this launch, I would like to announce free rides to all until the end of this month (31 March),” he said. The MRT Putrajaya Line is set to open to the public at 3pm today.

The MRT Putrajaya Line is a critical project under the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) project, which aims to improve the public transportation system in the Klang Valley region.

The line also has advanced safety features, including CCTV surveillance and emergency stop buttons in every carriage. The trains on the line can operate at a maximum speed of 100kph and accommodate up to 1,200 passengers.

The fare for the new line will be based on a distance-based fare structure, with a minimum fare of RM1.10 and a maximum fare of RM6.40.

The MRT Putrajaya Line is the second MRT line in Klang Valley, Malaysia, and the country’s third fully automated and driverless rail system.