KTM Class 61

Last updated
Class 61
KTM class 61.jpg
In service2021–present
Manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive
Number built52 cars (13 sets)
Formation4 per trainset
D1–M1–M2–D2
Capacity
  • 360 (218 seats) for regional model
  • 200 seats for long-distance model
Operators Keretapi Tanah Melayu
Specifications
Train length93.5 metres (306 ft 9 in)
Width2.75 metres (9 ft 0 in)
Height3.87 metres (12 ft 8 in)
Maximum speed
  • 140 km/h (87 mph) (design)
  • 120 km/h (75 mph) (service)
Weight176.92 t
Axle load ≤ 14 t
Acceleration 0.8 m/s2 (2.6 ft/s2)
Track gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge

The KTM Class 61 is a diesel multiple unit operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu for KTM Intercity services on non electrified sections of the KTM West Coast railway line and the KTM East Coast railway line.

Contents

Background

Hitachi and Kisha Seizo-built Railcar used in the 1960s and 1970s Ktm class 28 railcar.jpg
Hitachi and Kisha Seizo-built Railcar used in the 1960s and 1970s

The idea of using DMUs is not new to KTMB. In 1960, the company operated diesel railcars on short distance services. [1] The railcars operated in multiple unit formation until the mid 1970s, when they were converted into trailers and coupled with conventional diesel locomotives. [2] In the 1980s, KTM ordered railbuses for similar services, but these services ended in the 1990s. Secondhand DMUs were also proposed for KTM Komuter services to make up for the shortage of EMUs, [3] but in the end, the new KTM Class 92 train sets were ordered instead.

Procurement

In 2015, the Business Times reported that KTMB had signed a deal for DMUs with Majestic Engineering, in which the DMUs will be supplied by CRRC. [4] KTMB confirmed its intentions to get DMUs in 2016, pointing out its higher speeds compared to locomotive hauled trains [5] In 2017, KTMB formally announced the procurement of 13 DMUs along with 9 ETS sets from CRRC. [6]

The trains were constructed from 2018 to 2020 by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive. The first two sets were built in CRRC’s factory in Zhuzhou, China whereas the remaining eleven were built in CRRC’s factory in Batu Gajah, Malaysia. [7]

Description

The trains have a design speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and are expected to operate at up to 120 km/h (75 mph). [8] They are equipped with graphene-based supercapacitors for storing braking energy and two MAN powerpacks. [8] [7] The diesel engines can be replaced with fuel cells to reach zero emissions operation. [8] [7] The trains are fitted with a Wireless Train Tracker tool for location detection. [9]

Since the trains are used on non-upgraded sections where platform heights are lower, the trains are fitted with retractable steps to aid passengers in boarding. The train bodies themselves are specified to meet the European EN15227 crashworthiness standard. [9]

Features

The trains feature digital passenger information systems, a prayer room and a light catering bar. [9] Nine of the 13 trainsets will have one-third of a vehicle dedicated to carrying parcels and have commuter style seating i.e. a combination of transverse and longitudinal seating layouts. Such trains are meant for regional services such as the Shuttle Timur service. The remaining four sets have 2+2 transverse seating and are meant for long distance travel.

Service history

The trains were speculated to enter service from 1 October 2020, on the Ekspres Selatan from Gemas to JB Sentral as online bookings reflected the new train’s seating arrangement. However, this did not eventuate. [10] When in service, they are expected to cut journey times as their operating speed of 100 km/h is higher than the average speed of existing trains which is at 50–60 km/h. [11]

KTMB held a launch party for the new trains for 11 April 2021, inaugurating DMU service between Tumpat, Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis. [12] From 21 February 2022, the trains were fully utilised on the east coast line with the opening of shuttle timuran 35up/38dn from Kuala Lipis to Gemas. [13]

Related Research Articles

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) or Malayan Railways Limited, colloquially referred to simply as KTM, is the main rail operator in Peninsular Malaysia. The railway system dates back to the British colonial era, when it was first built to transport tin. Previously known as the Federated Malay States Railways (FMSR) and the Malayan Railway Administration (MRA), Keretapi Tanah Melayu acquired its current name in 1962. The organisation was corporatised in 1992, but remains wholly owned by the Malaysian government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM Komuter</span> Commuter rail system in Malaysia

KTM Komuter is a commuter rail system in Malaysia operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). It was introduced in 1995 to provide local rail services in Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley suburban areas. Services were later expanded to other parts of Malaysia with the introduction of the Northern and Southern sectors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rail transport in Malaysia</span>

Rail transport in Malaysia consists of heavy rail, light rapid transit (LRT), mass rapid transit (MRT), monorails, airport rail links and a funicular railway line. Heavy rail is mostly used for intercity services and freight transport as well as some urban public transport, while rapid transit rails are used for intracity urban public transport in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley region. There are two airport rail link systems linking Kuala Lumpur with the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. The longest monorail line in the country is also used for public transport in Kuala Lumpur, while the only funicular railway line is available in Penang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM Intercity</span> Malaysian intercity train services

KTM Intercity are diesel-hauled intercity train services in Peninsular Malaysia, operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). Services operate along the East Coast Line between Tumpat and Gemas and on towards JB Sentral on the West Coast Line. The former Intercity services along the West Coast Line between Padang Besar in the north and Gemas have been converted to the KTM ETS service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tanjung Malim railway station</span>

The Tanjung Malim railway station is a Malaysian train station stationed at the north eastern side of and named after the town of Tanjung Malim, Perak. The station provides both Komuter and ETS services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM West Coast railway line</span> Railway line in Malaysia

The West Coast railway line runs from Padang Besar railway station close to the Malaysia–Thailand border in Perlis to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. It is called the West Coast railway line because it serves the West Coast states of Peninsular Malaysia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pulau Sebang/Tampin railway station</span> Railway station in Malaysia

The Pulau Sebang/Tampin railway station is a Malaysian train station on the West Coast Line located near and named after the bordering towns of Pulau Sebang, Malacca and Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. The station itself is situated in Malaccan territory, being one of the two stations on the West Coast Line that serves the state of Malacca, the other being Batang Melaka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gemas railway station</span> Malaysian railway station

Gemas railway station is a Malaysian railway station located at the eastern side of and named after the town of Gemas, Tampin District, Negeri Sembilan. Built in 1922, the station is the meeting point of and the railway junction connecting the West Coast Line with the East Coast Line (Tumpat–Gemas).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kerambit railway station</span>

The Kerambit railway station is a Malaysian train station stationed at and named after the town of Kerambit, Lipis District, Pahang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuala Lipis railway station</span> Rail station in Malaysia

The Kuala Lipis railway station is a Malaysian train station stationed at and named after the town of Kuala Lipis, Lipis District, Pahang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merapoh railway station</span>

The Merapoh railway station is a Malaysian train station of the KTM East Coast Line located and named after the town of Merapoh, Lipis District, Pahang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuala Krai railway station</span>

The Kuala Krai railway station is a Malaysian train station stationed at and named after the town of Kuala Krai, Kelantan. It is the biggest railway station in Kelantan state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tumpat railway station</span>

The Tumpat railway station is a Malaysian railway station stationed at and named after the town of Tumpat, Kelantan. It is also the northern terminus of KTM's East Coast Line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM ETS</span> Malaysian inter-city rail service

The KTM ETS, commercially known as ETS, an acronym derived from Electric Train Service, is an inter-city higher-speed rail in Malaysia operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). The KTM ETS is the second electric train service to be operated by the Malaysian railway company after KTM Komuter, and the second inter-city rail service after KTM Intercity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johor Bahru Sentral station</span> Railway station in Johor, Malaysia

Johor Bahru Sentral is an integrated transport hub in Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM East Coast railway line</span> Railway line in Malaysia

The East Coast railway line (ECRL) is a single-track metre gauge railway line in Malaysia that runs between the Gemas railway station in Negeri Sembilan and the Tumpat railway station in Kelantan. Gemas is the rail junction between the West Coast line and East Coast railway line. Like the West Coast railway line, it is called the East Coast railway line (Malaysia) because it serves two of Peninsular Malaysia's East Coast states, namely Pahang and Kelantan. In fact, it does not run along the coast at all and only meets the South China Sea when it terminates in Tumpat railway station. It runs through the interior, often through deep jungle, thus earning the nickname Jungle Railway. Terengganu is the only state in Peninsular Malaysia not served by the KTM railway network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sungai Gadut Komuter station</span>

Sungai Gadut Komuter station is a train station in Sungai Gadut, Senawang, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The station is served by the KTM Komuter's Seremban Line, part of the larger Klang Valley Integrated Transit System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM Class 92</span> Type of electric multiple unit

The Class 92 is a type of electric multiple unit operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu on its KTM Komuter services. A total of 38 sets were built by CSR Zhuzhou of China, in 6-car formations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batu Caves–Pulau Sebang Line</span> Railway line in Malaysia

The KTM Batu Caves–Pulau Sebang Line, formerly known as the Seremban Line is one of the three KTM Komuter Central Sector lines provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu. Its electric trains run between Batu Caves and Pulau Sebang/Tampin. Prior to 15 December 2015, the northern terminus of this line was Rawang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM Class 93</span> Train class

The Class 93 is a type of electric multiple unit used by Keretapi Tanah Melayu for its intercity Electric Train Service (ETS). A total of 10 sets in 6-car formations have been built and delivered by CRRC Zhuzhou of China, with 9 additional sets ordered in 2019 with delivery finished in 2020. In light of the Gemas-JB EDTP Modification, another 10 sets has been ordered and will commence delivery later this year. As per the technology exchange agreement, part of the consignment will be partially assembled in Batu Gajah, Malaysia.

References

  1. ↑ "Pin by Pei Yi on Paper Prints | Vintage travel posters, Vintage train, Vintage posters". Pinterest. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  2. ↑ Twitter https://twitter.com/malayanrailways/status/1211460969869656064 . Retrieved 2020-09-01.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ↑ "KTM Update: Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) for KTM Komuter". Transit Malaysia. 2009-10-21. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  4. ↑ Kaur, Sharon (21 April 2015). "Majestic Engineering in RM350m deal with KTMB?". Business Times .
  5. ↑ "East Coast Line to get faster trains to Kelantan - KTMB - paultan.org". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2016-02-26. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  6. ↑ Team, NSTP (2018-04-03). "Nine new ETS trains purchased, ready roll in November". New Straits Times . Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  7. 1 2 3 "New CRRC DMU on test in Malaysia". International Railway Journal . 2019-05-16. Retrieved 2020-08-30.
  8. 1 2 3 "HMU in Malaysia". CRRC ZELC EUROPE. Retrieved 2020-08-30.
  9. 1 2 3 2018-05-24T15:21:22+01:00. "Graphene supercapacitor DMU fleet takes shape". Railway Gazette International . Retrieved 2020-08-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ↑ "KTM 61 Class DMU | CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co., Ltd. | KTM Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Train Seating Plans & Ticket Booking | KTM Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Pelan Tempat Duduk & Tempahan Tiket | JB Sentral, Kluang, Gemas, Jerantut, Taman Negara, Kuala Lipis, Gua Musang, Krai, Pasir Mas, Wakaf Bharu, Kota Bharu, Tumpat". RailTravel Station. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
  11. ↑ "KTMB eastern region all set to run DMU trains | Malay Mail". Malay Mail . 14 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  12. ↑ "Faster, smoother rail travel". The Star . Retrieved 2021-04-13.
  13. ↑ "KTM Launches Gemas-Kuala LIpis DMU train from 21 february 2022". language=en . 15 February 2022. Retrieved 2023-01-13.
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