KTM Class 93

The KTM Class 93 is a custom built train engineered to high speed metre gauge operation. Dubbed the "Malaysian Bullet Train", or "Pocket Rocket", it features a streamline sloped head, with better aerodynamic efficiency relative to previous KTM rail classes. It is expected to be one of the fastest trains operating on metre gauge track. Relative to KTM standard meter gauge bogies, special higher strength materials were used in bogie construction. This is done in order to damp and sustain the higher stresses incurred by going at high speed over narrow gauge.

The train uses a standard light weight aluminum body. The train is capable of starting at 0.7 metres per second per second (140 ft/s/min), thus being able to accelerate from 0 to 160 km/h (99 mph) in two minutes. The speed and width are limited by the narrow, higher speed and wider trains requiring the use of at minimum standard gauge tracks, currently only used in Malaysia by the Rapid KL lines and the Express Rail Link, although the proposed Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail would use standard gauge. It is capable of stopping within a minute and away at speed. The rail class also features standard safety systems such as a hotbox alarm system installation, horizontal stabilizer, vehicle health monitoring systems and other advanced safety equipment. Unlike the earlier KTM Class 91, the KTM Class 93 reportedly sources all its components from China, with the exception of the on-board equipment (such as is the ATP) which is sourced from the Chinese subsidiary of Bombardier.[4]

The mechanical and exterior design of the original Class 93/1 and the newer Class 93/2 are almost identical, the only difference being the exterior livery.

The cab of Class 93/2

Before launch, all new train sets must undergo and pass compulsory testing, in this they are required to go 10,000 km (6,214 mi) without logging a single fault. The train set will undergo testing for its automatic train protection system (ATP), other components tested included the propulsion system, the brakes, air-conditioning, door operations, auxiliary power supply, suspension, train control and management system, couplers, and even the wipers.

Delays to the July launch were attributed to ATP warnings whenever ETS201 enters the Butterworth branch line. Thus regulatory approval was delayed until October.[6] The first 4 sets went into service on 10 October 2015, operating between Padang Besar and Gemas on the ETS Ekspres service. As of 2016, all 10 sets from the first batch are in service.

The purchase of KTM class 93 was made under a bilateral trade agreement between the Malaysian Ministry of Transport and the Chinese Transport Ministry with the contract signed in September 2013. On top of this, the agreement includes a 2-year maintenance agreement. It also includes various aspects including financing, construction of transportation facilities and other turnkey contracts as well as the transfer of advanced technology and management methods.[7][8][9]

The procurement of the Class 93 includes a clause that future sets of the series would be assembled in Malaysia. A CRRC facility for maintaining and assembling was commissioned in Batu Gajah, Malaysia to assist on this end. In April 2017 a further nine set of ETS trains were ordered.[10] Each train set costs RM50 million.[11]

The first of the 6-car Class 93 EMUs entered service on 3 September 2015. ETS 201 began service by operating the 5AM service from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur Sentral (EG9301). The ETS then operated the 9.30AM KL Sentral to Padang Besar service (EG9208).[12]

The second batch of 9 train sets, Class 93/2, entered service on 11 October 2019.

A third batch of 10 train sets, Class 93/3, is currently being tendered in March 2020. This order is meant for the support in increasing capacity following ETDP extension from Gemas to Johor Bahru in 2023.

Each train set is formed as follows, with cars numbered alphabetically (A to F) instead of numerically, and with Car 1 (A) facing south (KL Sentral, Gemas) and Car 6 (F) facing north (Padang Besar, Butterworth).

Cars 2 and 5 are equipped with a double-arm Z-shaped pantograph.

• 
  ETS Class 93/1 and Class 91 resting at depot
• 
  ETS Class 93/2 resting at depot
• 
  A Class 93/2 heading towards Batu Gajah railway station