Mass Rapid Transit Corp (MRT Corp) has awarded five work packages worth RM3.47 billion for the Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line following the conclusion of the One-Stop Procurement Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Putrajaya today.

The packages included Viaduct Package V8 from Taman Mesra to Kajang, electric trains, signalling and train control system, power supply and distribution and depot equipment and maintenance vehicles.

Chief executive officer, Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, said with the award of package V8 to the government-linked company UEM Construction Sdn Bhd, all eight work packages for the construction of the viaduct guideway, elevated and underground, for the line had been awarded.

"This is a milestone for the project," he said in a statement today.

He said electric train package was awarded to Siemens AG-Siemens (M) Sdn Bhd-SMH Rail Sdn Bhd consortium.

Azhar said the company has opted for a driverless Grade of Automation 4 (Unattended Train Operation) system due to its safety, more reliable and punctual in high frequency services and less vulnerable to shortage of drivers.

"Driverless systems and their benefits have been proven throughout the world," he said.

The signalling and train control system was awarded to Bombardier (M) Sdn Bhd, power supply and distribution package to Meidensha Corp and the depot equipment and maintenance vehicles to Siemens AG-Siemens (M) Sdn Bhd-Hisniaga Sdn Bhd consortium. Bernama