KTM Class 61
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Class 61 | |
|---|---|
 Class 61 DMU 01 "Tumpat" | |
| Stock type | Diesel multiple unit |
| In service | 11 April 2021–present |
| Manufacturer | CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive |
| Number built | 52 cars (13 sets) |
| Number in service | 13 sets |
| Formation | 4 per trainset D1–M1–M2–D2 |
| Capacity |
|
| Operator | Keretapi Tanah Melayu |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | 93.5 metres (306 ft 9 in) |
| Width | 2.75 metres (9 ft 0 in) |
| Height | 3.87 metres (12 ft 8 in) |
| Maximum speed |
|
| Weight | 176.92 t |
| Axle load | ≤ 14 t |
| Acceleration | 0.8 m/s2 (2.6 ft/s2) |
| Track gauge | 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge |
The KTM Class 61 is a diesel multiple unit operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu for KTM Intercity services on non electrified sections of the KTM West Coast railway line and the KTM East Coast railway line.
The idea of using DMUs is not new to KTMB. In 1960, the company operated diesel railcars on short-distance services.[1] The railcars operated in multiple-unit formations until the mid-1970s, when they were converted into trailers and coupled with conventional diesel locomotives.[2] In the 1980s, KTM ordered railbuses for similar services, but these services ended in the 1990s. Secondhand DMUs were also proposed for KTM Komuter services to make up for the shortage of EMUs,[3] but in the end, new Class 92 EMUs were ordered instead.
Procurement
In 2015, the Business Times reported that KTMB had signed a deal for DMUs with Majestic Engineering, in which the DMUs will be supplied by CRRC.[4] KTMB confirmed its intentions to get DMUs in 2016, pointing out its higher speeds compared to locomotive hauled trains.[5] In 2017, KTMB formally announced the procurement of 13 DMUs along with 9 ETS sets from CRRC.[6]
The trains were constructed from 2018 to 2020 by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive. The first two sets were built in CRRC’s factory in Zhuzhou, China, whereas the remaining eleven were built in CRRC’s factory in Batu Gajah, Malaysia.[7]
Description
The trains have a design speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and are expected to operate at up to 120 km/h (75 mph).[8] They are equipped with graphene-based supercapacitors for storing braking energy and two MAN powerpacks.[8][7] The diesel engines can be replaced with fuel cells to reach zero emissions operation.[8][7] The trains are fitted with a Wireless Train Tracker tool for location detection.[9]
Since the trains are used on non-upgraded sections where platform heights are lower, the trains are fitted with retractable steps to aid passengers in boarding. The train bodies themselves are specified to meet the European EN15227 crashworthiness standard.[9]
Formation
| Set Designation | Callsign | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Class 61 DMU 01 | "Tumpat" | Operational |
| Class 61 DMU 02 | "Kota Bharu" | Operational |
| Class 61 DMU 03 | Operational | |
| Class 61 DMU 04 | "Tanah Merah" | Operational |
| Class 61 DMU 05 | "Kuala Krai" | Operational |
| Class 61 DMU 06 | Operational | |
| Class 61 DMU 07 | "Pasir Mas" | Operational |
| Class 61 DMU 08 | Operational | |
| Class 61 DMU 09 | Operational | |
| Class 61 DMU 10 | Operational | |
| Class 61 DMU 11 | Operational | |
| Class 61 DMU 12 | Operational | |
| Class 61 DMU 13 | Operational |
