The Chinese corporation CRRC has signed a contract with Malaysia’s railway operator KTMB for the supply of 62 modern trains, which include 36 three-car electric trains, 12 six-car trains, and 14 trains equipped with diesel engines, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Malaysia Purchases 62 Trains from CRRC for $2.4 Billion
Photo: Cathy Simon / pinterest.com

The deal, calculated over 30 years, amounts to $2.4 billion. The deliveries under this agreement are planned to take place from 2024 to 2027.

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In addition to rolling stock supplies, CRRC will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all trains throughout the duration of the contract.

This approach will ensure the smooth operation of the railway network and enhance its reliability.

Previously, CRRC delivered 19 Class 93 ETC 203 electric trains to Malaysia.

These trains are equipped with a Siemens SIBAC E951 D1442 traction system with an IGMT VVVF inverter, allowing speeds of up to 160 km/h.

To enhance safety, the trains are equipped with an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.

A significant portion of the production of these trains was localized at the CRRC plant in Batu Gajah, allowing for the production of up to 100 cars per year.

In addition to Class 93 electric trains, this plant also produces trains for the metropolitan subway.

Under the new contract, the Malaysian government will acquire a controlling stake in the enterprise, which will allow the country to strengthen its position in the railway transport sector.

CRRC, in turn, commits not only to hiring local specialists but also to transferring modern technologies to them, contributing to the development of the national economy and strengthening competencies in the transport industry.

Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, emphasized that the goal of acquiring the new rolling stock is to increase the capacity of the national railway network by 45% by 2027.

Currently, this figure stands at 30%, and the implementation of the new project should significantly improve the situation.

Today, about 90% of passenger trains operating on the KTMB network are produced by CRRC.

This large-scale project will be an important stage in the development of Malaysia’s transport infrastructure, contributing to both the improvement of transport quality and the growth of the domestic economy.

Photo: Cathy Simon / pinterest.com

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