KTM Class 93

Last updated
Class 93
ETS 5 (cropped).jpg
ETS 203 KTM Class 93 at Pulau Sebang/Tampin Station.
In service2016–present
Manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou (initially CSR Zhuzhou)
Built at Zhuzhou, China
Constructed2013–2018
Number under construction10 sets on order
Number in service
  • Total: 114 cars (19 sets)
  • First class: 60 cars (10 sets)
  • Second class: 54 cars (9 sets)
Formation6 cars per trainset
Capacity320 (320 seats) [1]
Operators Keretapi Tanah Melayu
DepotsBatu Gajah Rail Depot
Lines served West Coast Line
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Train length140 m (459 ft 3+13⁄16 in)
Car length
  • 24 m (78 ft 8+7⁄8 in) (Mc)
  • 23 m (75 ft 5+1⁄2 in) (Tp/M)
Width2.75 m (9 ft 1⁄4 in)
Height3,905 mm (12 ft 9+3⁄4 in)
Floor height1.1 m (3 ft 7 in)
Doors2 single-leaf doors per side
Wheel diameter850 mm (33 in)
Maximum speed
  • Service:
  • 145 km/h (90 mph)
  • Design:
  • 180 km/h (110 mph)
Weight258 t (254 long tons; 284 short tons)
Traction system Siemens IGBT–VVVF
Traction motors 16 × Siemens 1TB2004-0GA02 160 kW (210 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor [2]
Power output2,560 kW (3,430 hp)
Electric system(s) 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line
Current collector(s) Double-arm Z-shaped Pantograph
UIC classification Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
Braking system(s) Two-pipe regenerative brake system
Safety system(s) ETCS, ATP
Coupling system AAR
Track gauge 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge

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 (initially CSR Zhuzhou) of China, with 9 additional sets ordered in 2019 with delivery finished in 2020 (these 9 sets has been branded as ETS2 or 93/2). In light of the Gemas-JB EDTP Modification, another 10 sets (branded as 93/3 or ETS3) 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. [3]

Contents

The Class 93 ETS is utilised in the electrified section of the West Coast Line, from Gemas to Padang Besar. It has cut journey times significantly, covering Padang Besar from Kuala Lumpur within four hours and fifteen minutes, with 5 stops at hand, while the Kuala Lumpur-Penang leg can be covered within 3 hours.

Another 9 were ordered in 2019 and delivery finished in 2020. They are branded as ETS 2 and offer a business class coach as well as a redesigned standard class accommodation.

In March 2020, another 11 sets were ordered to increase capacity following the completion of the Gemas-JB EDTP modification in April 2025. These 11 sets will be branded as ETS 3, and the interior of these trains has not been revealed by KTMB.

Design

The KTM Class 93 is a custom-built train engineered to high-speed metre gauge operation. Dubbed the "Malaysian Bullet Train", or "Pocket Rocket", it features a streamline sloped head, with better aerodynamic efficiency relative to previous KTM rail classes. It is expected to be one of the fastest trains operating on metre gauge track. Relative to KTM standard meter gauge bogies, special higher strength materials were used in bogie construction. This is done in order to damp and sustain the higher stresses incurred by going at high speed over narrow gauge.

The train uses a standard lightweight aluminum body. The train is capable of starting at 0.7 m/s2 (2.3 ft/s2), thus being able to accelerate from 0 to 160 km/h (99 mph) in two minutes. The speed and width are limited by the narrow, higher speed and wider trains requiring the use of at minimum standard gauge tracks, currently only used in Malaysia by the Rapid KL lines and the Express Rail Link, although the proposed Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail would use standard gauge. It is capable of stopping within a minute and away at speed. The rail class also features standard safety systems such as a hotbox alarm system installation, horizontal stabilizer, vehicle health monitoring systems and other advanced safety equipment. Unlike the earlier KTM Class 91, the KTM Class 93 reportedly sources all its components from China, with the exception of the on-board equipment (such as is the ATP) which is sourced from the Chinese subsidiary of Bombardier. [4]

The mechanical and exterior design of the original Class 93/1 and the newer Class 93/2 are almost identical, the only difference being the exterior livery.

On-board service

Class 93/1

Standard Class interior on Class 93/1 KTM Class 93 Interior.jpg
Standard Class interior on Class 93/1

Standard Class: The seats are arranged in a 2+2 fashion, and have blue seat covers and red headrests. The seats have amenities such as a power outlet and a tray table, typical of long-distance trains. In addition to this, it also features standard intercity offerings such as luggage racks, a toilet and prayer area within the length of an individual 6-car set. It has gangways interconnecting each coach, allowing passengers unrestricted movement throughout the entire length of the train. Since these trains will operate in a tropical climate, they have over-head air-conditioning systems, providing temperature control, ventilation and dehumidification to maximise passenger comfort. The trains are also equipped with LTE-enabled WiFi throughout but currently it has not been turned on yet. [5]

Class 93/2

Standard Class interior on Class 93/2 ETS2 Standard Class.jpg
Standard Class interior on Class 93/2

Standard Class: The facilities are very similar to those offered on the first batch, with a few improvements. In addition to the transverse seating layout, there are cluster seats which face each other. Such seats have a table between them. The seats have grey seat covers and red headrests. Toilets have changing tables for infants.

Business Class interior on Class 93/2 ETS2 Business class.jpg
Business Class interior on Class 93/2

Business Class: The Business class accommodation and service marks a step up from the standard class. In addition to the facilities already enjoyed in standard class, there are additional features otherwise not seen on the standard class. The seats are arranged in a 2+1 configuration and are wider and able to recline up to 45 degrees. The seats can be rotated to face any direction. In addition to a power outlet, a USB port is provided. Each seat has its own on demand video screen for in-train entertainment. Wi-Fi is complimentary for business class passengers. Each coach has its own steward or stewardess, which the passenger can summon from his seat. On-board dining is included in the fare. Passengers are given their own amenity kit.

Testing and Commissioning

The cab of Class 93/2 KTM Class 93 Cab.jpg
The cab of Class 93/2

Before launch, all new train sets must undergo and pass compulsory testing, in this they are required to go 10,000 km (6,214 mi) without logging a single fault. The train set will undergo testing for its automatic train protection system (ATP), other components tested included the propulsion system, the brakes, air-conditioning, door operations, auxiliary power supply, suspension, train control and management system, couplers, and even the wipers.

Delays to the July launch were attributed to ATP warnings whenever ETS201 enters the Butterworth branch line. Thus, regulatory approval was delayed until October. [6] The first 4 sets went into service on 10 October 2015, operating between Padang Besar and Gemas on the ETS Ekspres service. As of 2016, all 10 sets from the first batch are in service.

Procurement

The purchase of KTM class 93 was made under a bilateral trade agreement between the Malaysian Ministry of Transport and the Chinese Transport Ministry with the contract signed in September 2013. On top of this, the agreement includes a 2-year maintenance agreement. It also includes various aspects including financing, construction of transportation facilities and other turnkey contracts as well as the transfer of advanced technology and management methods. [7] [8] [9]

The procurement of the Class 93 includes a clause that future sets of the series would be assembled in Malaysia. A CRRC facility for maintaining and assembling was commissioned in Batu Gajah, Malaysia to assist on this end. In April 2017 a further nine set of ETS trains were ordered. [10] Each train set costs RM50 million. [11]

Launch date

The first of the 6-car Class 93 EMUs entered service on 3 September 2015. ETS 201 began service by operating the 5AM service from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur Sentral (EG9301). The ETS then operated the 9.30AM KL Sentral to Padang Besar service (EG9208). [12]

The second batch of 9 train sets, Class 93/2, entered service on 11 October 2019.

A third batch of 11 train sets, Class 93/3, is currently being tendered in March 2020. This order is meant for the support in increasing capacity following ETDP extension from Gemas to Johor Bahru in 2025.

Formation

Each train set is formed as follows, with cars numbered alphabetically (A to F) instead of numerically, and with Car 1 (A) facing south (KL Sentral, Gemas) and Car 6 (F) facing north (Padang Besar, Butterworth).

Car No.123456
Seating capacity445858585844
DesignationMcTpMMTpMc
Set Designation123456StatusLaunch DateAssembled in
Class 93 ETS 201C9301T9301M9301M9302T9302C9302In Service3 Sep 2015China
Class 93 ETS 202C9303T9303M9303M9304T9304C9304In ServiceSep 2015China
Class 93 ETS 203C9305T9305M9305M9306T9306C9306In Service7 Oct 2015China
Class 93 ETS 204C9307T9307M9307M9308T9308C9308In Service10 Oct 2015China
Class 93 ETS 205C9309T9309M9309M9310T9310C9310In ServiceDec 2015Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 206C9311T9311M9311M9312T9312C9312In ServiceJan 2016Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 207C9313T9313M9313M9314T9314C9314In ServiceFeb 2016Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 208C9315T9315M9315M9316T9316C9316In Service2016Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 209C9317T9317M9317M9318T9318C9318In Service2016Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 210C9319T9319M9319M9320T9320C9320In Service2016Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 211C9321T9321M9321M9322T9322C9322In Service11 Oct 2019 [13] Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 212C9323T9323M9323M9324T9324C9324In Service2019Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 213C9325T9325M9325M9326T9326C9326In Service2020Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 214C9327T9327M9327M9328T9328C9328In Service2020Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 215C9329T9329M9329M9330T9330C9330In Service2020Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 216C9331T9331M9331M9332T9332C9332In Service2020Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 217C9333T9333M9333M9334T9334C9334In Service2020Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 218C9335T9335M9335M9336T9336C9336In Service2020Malaysia
Class 93 ETS 219C9337T9337M9337M9338T9338C9338In Service2020Malaysia

Cars 2 and 5 are equipped with a double-arm Z-shaped pantograph.

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References

  1. ↑ Burthun, M (6 February 2015). "ETS Ipoh-Padang Besar mula operasi Julai ini" (in Malay). Sinar Harian. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  2. ↑ "Our Business". Majestic Engineering Sdn Bhd.
  3. ↑ "CRRC opens Malaysian rolling stock plant". www.railjournal.com.
  4. ↑ "Manufacturer working hard to solve issues with new ETS sets before official handover - Nation | The Star Online". www.thestar.com.my.
  5. ↑ "First of Class 93 ETS EMUs enters service | MalayanRailways.com". malayanrailways.com.
  6. ↑ "Manufacturer working hard to solve issues with new ETS sets before official handover".
  7. ↑ "中国首次出口最高速米轨动车组 采用"子弹头"模式" [China's first export of most high-speed meter rail EMU a "bullet" mode] (in Chinese). 1 Dec 2014.
  8. ↑ "我国首次出口米轨动车组，为马来西亚量身定制" [China's first export meter-gauge EMU, tailored for Malaysia] (in Chinese). 1 Dec 2014.
  9. ↑ "中国首次出口米轨动车组 时速达160公里/小时" [China's first export meter gauge EMU speed of 160 km/h (99 mph)] (in Chinese). 1 Dec 2014.
  10. ↑ KTMB orders EMUs with graphene capacitor energy storage Railway Gazette International 13 April 2017
  11. ↑ Meng Yew Choong. "Manufacturer working hard to solve issues with new ETS sets before official handover". The Star Online. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  12. ↑ "First of Class 93 ETS EMUs enters service | MalayanRailways.COM". malayanrailways.com.
  13. ↑ "KTMB offers business class seats on ETS2 from Oct 11".
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