Transport Ministry plans to refurbish ETS, Komuter trains to increase frequency

BATU GAJAH: There are plans to refurbish older Electric Train Service (ETS) and Komuter trains, which will help increase capacity and frequency, says Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

The Transport Minister said there were some 18 old sets of ETS and Komuter trains and added that some are needing major overhauls before they could be put back into service.

“It is not just ETS; there is a need for more Komuter trains as well. Thus, the ministry is carrying out the programme to refurbish some of the older sets, and within the next few months, contracts will be awarded,” he said.

Loke said this after attending Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Academy’s 6th convocation ceremony here on Thursday (Feb 29).

He added that it is impossible to add extra coaches to the ETS, as it came in a set of six coaches, unlike the locomotive trains.

However, to increase capacity and frequency, the ministry has decided to refurbish some of the older sets so that they could be reused.

“However, during festive seasons, we try our best to add more trips to ensure people get to go back to their hometowns safely.

“Similarly, for the coming Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, more trips will be added,” he added.

On the convocation, Loke said the academy trained staff, SPM leavers, vendors and contractors on skill courses related to the rail system.

He said this is in line with the government’s intention to enhance the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and thus, the programmes offered at the academy were skill-based.

Loke added that to ensure the railway industry continues to strive in the future, there is a need for more skilled workers.

“We will continue to empower and develop the railway sector as a safe and efficient transportation mode, as well as an effort to decrease carbon emissions. The railways have a bright future ahead, and the government will continue to focus on developing this sector,” he said.