Friday, March 9, 2012

Malaysia launches Chinese train sets

Malaysia's main rail operator, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad(KTMB) on Thursday launched four new six-car trains - the first of 38 new train sets it bought from Chinese electric train maker Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co., Ltd. as it is gradually replacing its old fleet.Prime minister Najib Razak said the new service, to run on interstate railways across the peninsular, would ease commuter distress with a shorter travel time.It came as part of a government development blueprint to improve urban public transport.The four trains are among 38 six-car-set (SCS) trains that the state-run KTMB bought from Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive for 1.89 billion ringgit (626.65 million U.S. dollars).

The remaining 34 electric trains would be rolled out in stages by July, Najib said.
The SCS train has a hauling capacity of 1,100 passengers, almost triple the ones currently in operation.
It is equipped with three closed-circuit television in each coach, more ergonomic seating and standing space, three lines of hand rail for standing passengers and special seatings for pregnant women, senior citizens and the disabled.The train has a maximum speed of 120 km per hour the fastest ever operated in Malaysia.
The new fleet, the rail company said, would gradually replace 25 Bombardier three-car trains which have been in operation since 1995.The rail company expects to expand its fleet of electric trains for the new interstate double-track rail network across the northern Perlis-Perak states and in southern Johor state that would be completed by 2018.Zhuzhou electric locomotive is a subsidiary of China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corporation Limited, the world's largest electric train maker.

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