Transport Ministry receives first set of ETS3 trains

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has received the first set of electric trains (ETS3) for the Gemas-Johor Baru Electric Double Track railway service.

The ETS3 trains were handed over by the contractor CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd to the Transport Ministry at a presentation ceremony in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, China.

At the event, Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) said he was happy that the ETS3 project was going well and hoped that the next set would be delivered and completed on time.

“When this rolling stock (is ready) by next year, we will start the ETS service from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Johor Baru when the Johor Baru-Gemas track is ready later.

“Wait for this service to arrive and we will provide the latest service to Malaysians,” he said in a video message shared by his ministry with the Malaysian media yesterday, Bernama reported.In his speech at the ceremony, Loke said the new ETS3 trains have a seating capacity of 312 seats, with 36 for business class and 276 standard seats.

“I have been informed that a total of eight trains will be assembled in Malaysia apart from the first two sets that will be shipped from Zhuzhou, China,” he said.

Loke said the expected delivery date for all is set by Aug 12 next year, and ETS3 trains will be used for the Gemas-Johor Baru newly-electrified and double-tracked sections, as well as the entire west coast rail network from Padang Besar in the north to Johor Baru in the south.

The new trains will enable transformation in travel behaviour in Malaysia, he added.

He also described it as a game changer for millions of Malaysians, as the journey time between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru will be greatly reduced and transport reliability and safety will also improve significantly.

“It is also worth mentioning that significant efforts have been made to ensure local manufacturers have meaningful participation and benefits from the positive spillover by working with CRRC in Malaysia,” he added.