Draft:Ekspres Rakyat Timuran

• Comment: The article uses significant amounts of language in a promotional tone. -Samoht27 (talk) 15:47, 12 February 2025 (UTC)

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Ekspres Rakyat Timuran

Ekspres Rakyat Timuran is a long-distance intercity train service operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) in Malaysia. It serves the East Coast Line, running between JB Sentral in Johor Bahru and Tumpat in Kelantan. This service remains one of the few diesel-powered express trains in Malaysia and is essential for communities in rural Kelantan, Pahang, and Johor, where alternative transportation options are limited.

1. History

The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran was introduced in 1980 as part of KTM Berhad’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible rail services for passengers traveling along the East Coast. The train remains one of Malaysia’s last remaining overnight sleeper services, offering a crucial connection between the southern and eastern regions of the country.

Previously, the Ekspres Rakyat service operated on the West Coast Line, but with the development of ETS (Electric Train Service) on the western corridor, the focus of the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran shifted to the less developed East Coast Line.

2. Route and Services

The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran travels along the Gemas–Tumpat railway line, also known as the Jungle Railway, due to its scenic route through dense rainforests, rivers, and rural villages.

Key Stations Along the Route:

• JB Sentral (Johor Bahru)—Southern terminus
• Gemas—Interchange with the West Coast Line
• Mentakab—Serving central Pahang
• Gua Musang—Entry point to Kelantan
• Tumpat—Northern terminus

The train is vital for rural communities, especially in Kelantan, as it remains one of the most affordable and reliable transport options, particularly during the monsoon season, when roads in the region may become inaccessible due to flooding.

3. Rolling Stock & Facilities

The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran is operated using diesel locomotives and consists of several types of passenger coaches, including:

• Second Class Day & Night Coaches (ADNS) – Sleeping berths for overnight travel
• Economy Class Coaches (AEC) – Standard seating
• Buffet Coach (ABC) – Serving food and beverages

3.1. Technical Specifications

• Locomotive Model: Class 26, Class 29 Diesel-Electric Locomotives
• Maximum Speed: 100 km/h
• Power Output: 2,200 - 3,300 HP
• Coach Manufacturer: Hyundai Precision, CRRC Zhuzhou, and local modifications
• Seating Capacity: Varies by coach type (ADNS: 40 sleepers, AEC: 60 seats)
• Facilities: Air-conditioned coaches, sleeper berths, onboard catering, luggage racks
• Track Gauge: 1,000 mm (Meter Gauge)

This train is popular for its budget-friendly fares and scenic travel experience, attracting both locals and train enthusiasts.

4. Historic Program

The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran has been used in various special events and royal programs. One notable event was the Kembara Mahkota Johor 2010, where His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ismail of Johor traveled via the train to engage with communities along the railway line.

In June 2010, the Kembara Mahkota Johor took a unique turn by utilizing the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran train service. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ismail of Johor, a certified train driver, personally piloted the train over a distance of 391.3 kilometers, starting from JB Sentral to Gemas in Negeri Sembilan and back to JB Sentral.

This event highlighted the versatility of the Kembara Mahkota Johor and underscored the importance of railway services like the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran in connecting various regions of Malaysia. The 2010 journey was well-documented, with numerous photographs capturing the event. Images of the train during the expedition can be found in online photo albums.

This unique approach in 2010 not only showcased the Sultan's personal interest in railways but also promoted the significance of train travel in Malaysia’s transportation landscape.

5. Field Study and Research

In February 2025, a group of students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam conducted an academic field trip using the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran as part of their study on railway infrastructure, operations, and maintenance. The trip was organized by the Faculty of Civil Engineering (Rail Infrastructure Program) and supported by the Malaysia Rail Development Corporation (MRDC).

Field Trip Itinerary:

• Departed from KL Sentral and traveled to Tumpat via Ekspres Rakyat Timuran
• Visited the Tumpat Railway Depot for maintenance observations
• Engaged with station masters and railway personnel in Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis
• Experienced different railway operations firsthand

This study provided hands-on exposure to Malaysia’s East Coast railway operations, particularly the challenges and advantages of operating diesel-powered intercity train services in rural areas.

6. Challenges & Future Developments

Although the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is under construction, the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran remains an important service, particularly for passengers traveling to remote areas. Discussions are ongoing about upgrading the existing railway infrastructure and introducing more efficient rolling stock to improve service reliability.

7. Significance

The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran is not just a train service but a lifeline for many rural Malaysians. It continues to play an important role in connecting communities, supporting local economies, and preserving Malaysia’s railway heritage.