200407 – Jack – Rawang to Ipoh Signalling

The Rawang to Ipoh project involves the construction of a new track and upgrading of the existing track between Rawang and Ipoh, a rail distance of 159km, to allow for a maximum design speed of 160 kph.

This project has been promoted by the Malaysian Government as part of its eighth Malaysia Development Plan and is the first phase of the Malaysian segment of the TransAsia rail link project.

The main components of the project involve the construction of new concrete railway bridges and culverts, 14 new stations, 40 new overhead road bridges to eliminate all level crossings, construction of a new EMU Depot at Batu Gajah, construction of a 25kV 50Hz overhead electrification system, full bidirectional signalling, new communications and Automatic Fare Collection systems. In addition to the construction and technical logistics of the project, significant land acquisitions and relocation of squatters were essential pre-requisites.

The project was awarded in two packages, an Infrastructure Package and a Systems Package. The Systems Package was awarded to Mitsui Transportation Systems.

The owner of the project is Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), the Malaysian Railways.

The Government’s objectives under these works are:-
a) Future KTMB traffic requirement of 32 rapid commuter services daily (six car sets) between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh at 15 minutes frequency.
b) Extension of the existing Rawang- Seremban six car commuter services to Tanjung Malim – Seremban.
c) 70 freight trains per day in both directions.
d) 16 intercity train services per day in both directions.

This paper describes how the new wayside signalling system will be provided to meet these objectives.