THE first two of 10 class 94 ETS3 long-distance EMUs ordered by Malayan Railways (KTMB) from CRRC Zhuzhou in 2020 have arrived at the operator’s Batu Gajah depot.
Dynamic and fault testing of the 1000mm-gauge trains is underway ahead of the start of line testing. Malaysian transport minister, Anthony Loke, confirmed that if trial running proceeds to plan, the trains could enter service on August 12.
The first two 140km/h EMUs have been manufactured at CRRC Zhuzhou’s plant in China with the remaining eight being manufactured at its Malaysian plant in Batu Gajah. The trains accommodate up to 312 passengers, including 36 in business class, and are equipped with an intelligent driver assistance system to reduce energy consumption.
“All 10 sets are expected to be completed and fully operational by early next year to enhance the country’s rail service capacity,” Loke confirmed.
The first two trains are expected to enter service on KTMB’s southern main line from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru Sentral, across the Straits of Johor from Singapore, using the recently completed electrified double-track section between Gemas and Johor Bahru. The new trains are expected to enable a 3h 30min journey time on the route.
CRRC Zhuzhou has already supplied 32 trains to KTMB along with a fleet of 38 EMUs to KTM Kommuter. It also agreed a contract worth an estimated $US 2.4bn last year to supply 62 new trains to KTMB, which will almost double the size of its fleet.
For detailed data on Asian fleet orders, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
