KTM, short for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, is Malaysia's primary rail service provider. It operates passenger and freight trains across the country, offering vital connections within and between cities.
With a focus on enhancing mobility and infrastructure, KTM plays a crucial role in Malaysia's transportation network!
Photo via KTMB
In a recent development, the federal government is set to enter a significant agreement to lease 62 new passenger trains from China. This RM10.7 billion deal will see the payment stretched over 30 years, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The exact cost of the lease will be finalized following further negotiations with the Chinese government.
The new fleet will consist of 36 electric multiple unit (EMU) three-car sets, 12 EMU six-car sets, and 14 diesel multiple unit (DMU) six-car sets. These additions are expected to boost KTMB's train rotation and aim to increase track utilization to 45% by 2027. Notably, the leasing cost will cover maintenance, repair, and operations services provided by the train suppliers.
Currently, 90% of KTMB's 68 passenger trains are produced by China Railway and Rolling Stock Corporation, a state-owned Chinese company. Despite substantial investments in rail services, KTMB's utilization remains at 30%, a figure Loke hopes to improve with this new lease agreement.
Loke addressed concerns about current train availability, noting that the rail network can handle more trains but is constrained by a lack of coaches. He acknowledged commuter frustrations, such as long wait times and sold-out KL-North Electric Train Service (ETS) tickets on weekends.
KTMB, a government-owned entity, operates several key services including the Seremban Line, Port Klang Line, and Skypark Link in the Klang Valley, as well as the ETS and KTM Intercity for longer journeys.
With these upcoming additions, KTMB aims to enhance the reliability and availability of its services. What do you think about this decision to lease new trains from China?
