In service March 2012 - Current Number built 228 cars (38 sets) | Manufacturer CSR Zhuzhou Constructed 2010 - 2012 Number in service 222 cars (37 sets) | |
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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. The first EMU has been delivered on the 23rd of September and was expected to operate in revenue service by late December 2011. However, delays in testing led to the subsequent postponement of launch. On 8 March 2012, 4 sets of KTM Class 92 commenced operation and all 38 sets of these KTM Class 92 were in revenue service by July 2012. The KTM Class 92 is the first train in Malaysia to feature a dynamic route map (passenger information system) built into the train. The EMU's complete interior and exterior design is designed by a German design office, Tricon Design AG. The class 92 will be using 65 million euros worth of Siemens made transformers, power converters, traction motors and vehicle control systems.
Contents
- Operation
- Special service
- Maintenance and Depot
- Design and Construction
- Formation
- Corruption Investigation
- Operational Issues
- Vandalism
- Accidents and Incidents
- Launch Delays
- References
The Class 92 was procured under a Malaysian Government initiative, National Key Result Area (NKRA) to reduce congestion and improve public transport with a specific RM2 billion allocation to KTMB to improve commuter rail efficiency. A sum of RM 1.894 billion was spent to procure these trains, with the remainder being spent on the improvement of signalling along the Putra-Mid Valley stretch and a ticketing system upgrade.
Operation
The class 92 is set to complement and replace the earlier 3 coach class 8x commuter trains. It will operate along the two komuter lines and is expected to service all 53 stations. However, the Rawang-Tanjung Malim route is usually not serviced by this coach. At certain stretches, it will operate at its service operational speed of 120 km/h. During current 15-minute frequency operations, as many as 25 class 92 sets are used while the remaining sets are kept in reserve. In the future (10-minute frequency operations), it is expected for the total maximum of concurrently used sets to increase to 36 with 2 to remain in reserve.
Special service
During festivities, the KTM Class 92 is used for special services. Special services typically occur during occasions such as the "homecoming" exodus, saw class 92 sets operating intercity routes, such as the KL Sentral-Ipoh route complementing the ETS train service. In other festivities, such as the festival of Thaipusam, the class 92 also provides service from Ipoh direct to Batu Caves.
Maintenance and Depot
The Class 92 sets will be maintained by its manufacturer CSR Zhuzhou. The maintenance facility will be based mainly at KTM’s Sentul Komuter Depot while a minor secondary base will be located at Tanjung Malim. The Batu Gajah Rail depot will continue its role as the testing place for new Class 92 sets.
On top of all that, a new special 16.34 hectares (40 acres) commuter maintenance depot is being built (completion by Sept 2013) in the vicinity of Seremban station to house the class 92. The depot will have a capacity of stabling 19 six coach Class 92 sets and be able to conduct simultaneous maintenance work on up to 6 sets of commuter trains. The depot will also have up to 15 tracks of 6km each to store and maintain trains. The depot will also stage other Rawang-Seremban line rolling stocks.
Design and Construction
The Class 92 is designed for low dwell times and high passenger seating capacity, being built with three double leaf doors per side and having full longitudinal seating at its cab-coaches. Its middle coaches feature a mixture of longitudinal and traverse 2+2 seating. It has wide gang-ways interconnecting each coach, allowing passengers to distribute effectively throughout the length of the train. However, two middle coaches of the class 92 is designated women's only coaches by its operator KTM. Thus, limiting full interactivity within the train set. Dynamic route maps located above doors details trains position relative to station in real-time. CCTVs and 3-pin power outlets are provided as further features. Since the train is to operate in the tropics, the trains have an over-head air-conditioning systems, to provide ventilation, dehumidification and comfortable temperature control.
The exterior and interior of the class 92 is fully designed in Germany by Tricon Design AG for CSR Zhuzhou. Featuring a Malaysian tiger inspired front motif and tiger fur side coating. It was then assembled in CSR Zhuzhou's Electric Plant train factory in China. While power traction units and vehicle control systems were built by Siemens in Germany.
Formation
Cars 2 and 5 are equipped with a double-arm Z-shaped pantograph.
Cars 3 and 4 are designated women's only car.
Corruption Investigation
The purchase of the KTM class 92 was notably under investigation by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) over its tender process. In 2008, the Chinese railway manufacturer Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Ltd, being the lowest bidder, was originally awarded the tender to build 3 car sets at the cost of RM 13.7 million. This figure later increased to RM 48 million per 6 car set. According to the details revealed to the press about the investigation, the re-negotiation process was held directly with the manufacturer and there was certain irregularities in pricing. The investigation is still on-going.
This is not the only set of irregularities in railway procurement occurring in Malaysia. In 2009, the Malaysian Ministry of Transport was under investigation over the purchase of used diesel multiple units. Following the investigation and general consensus at parliament at the time. The purchase of used these diesel multiple units was eventually canceled.
Operational Issues
There has been a number of issues related to the Class 92. In a comment by KTMB's incumbent president, Elias Kadir has noted that the class 92 is "not up to standard". In other related incidents, in which Class 92 sets malfunctioned was due reportedly to poor maintenance and non-payment to suppliers.
Poor fleet management has led to many KTM Class 92 sets to have gone without routine maintenance, thus leading to a void in manufacturer warranty. According to the Auditor-General’s Report, The sum of RM99.94 million paid by the Railway Assets Corporation (PAC) to CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co Limited to service the six-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) cannot be reimbursed due to KTMB's failure in its part of sending the trains for necessary maintenance.
Vandalism
Immediately, following its launch a number of KTM Class 92 were intentionally damaged, at least 20 side windows are cracked or holed, due a number of stone throwing incidents. This has culminated in a number of media reports. Despite the incidents, KTMB has no intention of upgrading the SCS to shatterproof glass to counter these incident.
Accidents and Incidents
On 15 February 2013 at 23:00, an out-of-service KTM Class 92 SCS 25 derailed near Shah Alam station while returning to Sentul depot for maintenance. No one was injured. The train was heavily damaged and was subsequently written off.
Launch Delays
The premature decay in KTM class 8X circa 2006-2012, led to a public outcry for new commuter rolling stock. Hence, there was a need for a fast-tracked tender of new trains in order to meet the rising rail passenger demand.
Originally the first set was expected to be launched in December 2011, it was later delayed to January and then February 2012. The eventual launch date for Class 92 took place on March 8, 2012.
Reports place the delay as a result of further operational testing, and driver training.