The section of track between KL Sentral and Sentul has limited train services due to the Klang Valley Double Track (KVDT) track renewal, signalling and electrification system upgrades and engineering works. Services are split to run on the Batu Caves – Sentul and KL Sentral – Pulau Sebang (Tampin) sectors, with limited through services on the full Batu Caves – Pulau Sebang (Tampin) Line.
This time though, was a special visit to the Batu Caves – Sentul sector as the legendary 81 Class EMU is now back in service.
The 81 Class is a 3-car electric multiple unit (EMU) operating for KTM Komuter. It is Malaysia’s first type of EMU, operating for Malaysia’s first electric train service in 1995. They were designed by Hunslet TPL and built by Jenbacher Transport in Austria.
Seats on the refurbished 81 Class sets are replaced with brand new blue coloured seats, with the original seats now on two 83 Class sets running on the SkyPark Link.
Seats on the two end driving cab cars face in only one direction towards the driving cab. Seats on the middle trailer car with pantograph face in both directions similar to the original seating layout.
Departing from Batu Caves, with lots of passengers waiting for the through service to KL Sentral departing in 35 minute’s time.
With the ride being too silent on the trailer car, I moved back to the driving motor car instead. While it’s still quiet, at least there’s a slight hint of the new Woojin traction motor sound.
Passing by the Klang River Basin.
Passing by the SJ Bus depot.
Making a brief stop at Taman Wahyu.
The MRT Sungai Buloh–Serdang–Putrajaya Line’s Kampung Batu MRT Station under construction beside the Kampung Batu KTM Komuter Station.
Making a brief stop at Kampung Batu.
Making a brief stop at Batu Kentonmen.
Crossing over to Platform 3 of Sentul.
Approaching Sentul.
Arrived back at Sentul.
The pantograph of EMU05 also looks clean. However, I do not know if this is brand new or original.
The KTM Komuter Rail Replacement Service KTM1 between KL Sentral and Sentul KTM Station connects with the Batu Caves – Sentul Shuttle.
Love it or hate it, the 81 Class is undoubtedly a historical train type as it brought Malaysia into the electrified railway era with the launch of KTM Komuter services on the Sentul – Pelabuhan Klang Line and Rawang – Seremban Line. While everyone thought that it was unfortunate that none of these sets were properly preserved when they were taken out of service some time in 2009 to 2010, I guess it isn’t much of a concern now that the 81 Class is no longer a disused train set.
A warm welcome to the 81 Class back on KTM Komuter services, and kudos to all KTM staff and contractors who had a part in making this train set come alive again!