By Sharen Kaur
sharen.kaur@gmail.com
Published in NST on February 22, 2013
The UEM-Ara Consortium, which is vying for the high-speed rail (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, hopes that its proposal to use the magnetic levitation (Maglev) technology will be considered.
A spokesman for the ARA Group, a forerunner in the rail industry here, said that with the Maglev technology, the high-speed train could run, operationally, at between 430kph and 500kph.
The consortium is considering offering two types of services -- express and transit.
At 430kph, the express service would take 55 minutes, running non-stop from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
If between six and seven station stops are required for the 400km line in areas like Seremban, Malacca, Muar, Johor Baru and Tuas, the journey would then take 80 to 90 minutes.
Maglev is a system of transportation that suspends, guides and propels vehicles, predominantly trains.
It uses large numbers of electromagnets, mounted on a flange protruding inboard from the lower part of the train car, for lift and propulsion.
The technology was developed by Transrapid-International (TRI), an erstwhile cooperation between German conglomerates Siemens AG, ThyssenKrupp and MAX BÖGL.
Maglev's high-speed trains are currently operational only in Shanghai, China, since 2003, by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Co (SMTDC).
The daily operational speed is 430kph and has reached a record speed of 501kph, with punctuality registering at more than 99.7 per cent.
Its spokesman said Malaysia, with its prime geographical location and potential, could be the first in the world to break through with Maglev and manufacture and operate the technology here.
Subsequently, it would be possible to market the product globally.
He said Maglev technology had substantial advantages and was well-tailored for Malaysia's roadmap towards 2020.
The spokesman added that a centre of excellence (COE) could be set up here if the technology was implemented, especially for the HSR project, which is set to catapult Malaysia as a global transportation leader.
The COE will facilitate technology transfer between the German conglomerates, with support from SMTDC.
"Malaysia could be the region's aggregation and development hub by adopting the technology.
"The breaking point will be the development of the HSR line.
"This revolutionary avant-garde system has substantial advantages and is well-tailored for Malaysia's roadmap towards 2020."
The spokesman said Ara Group had concluded two studies on the use of the technology, with the help of ThyssenKrupp and SMTDC respectively.
"The outcome of both concept papers looks promising.
"Some of the highlights include a much reduced travel time.
"It will only take 55 minutes to get from Kuala Lumpur to downtown Singapore.
"By utilising the North-South Plus Expressway corridor, the consortium will require minimal land acquisition."
Maglev technology eliminates noise and vibration below 200kph and is suited for urban areas and inner cities.
Train derailments would also be a thing of the past, even with the train running at 500kph, he said.
There is also relatively low maintenance for trains running on Maglev as compared with the conventional high-speed rail, which will minimise long-term operational cost.
sharen.kaur@gmail.com
Published in NST on February 22, 2013
MAGNETIC LEVITATION: Malaysia has potential to operate, manufacture and market technology globally
KUALA LUMPUR: A CONSORTIUM, led by UEM Group Bhd and ARA Group, is proposing a high-speed train technology that can travel up to 500kph, which is expected to be one of the world's fastest in terms of revenue service.The UEM-Ara Consortium, which is vying for the high-speed rail (HSR) project linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, hopes that its proposal to use the magnetic levitation (Maglev) technology will be considered.
A spokesman for the ARA Group, a forerunner in the rail industry here, said that with the Maglev technology, the high-speed train could run, operationally, at between 430kph and 500kph.
The consortium is considering offering two types of services -- express and transit.
At 430kph, the express service would take 55 minutes, running non-stop from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
If between six and seven station stops are required for the 400km line in areas like Seremban, Malacca, Muar, Johor Baru and Tuas, the journey would then take 80 to 90 minutes.
Maglev is a system of transportation that suspends, guides and propels vehicles, predominantly trains.
It uses large numbers of electromagnets, mounted on a flange protruding inboard from the lower part of the train car, for lift and propulsion.
The technology was developed by Transrapid-International (TRI), an erstwhile cooperation between German conglomerates Siemens AG, ThyssenKrupp and MAX BÖGL.
Maglev's high-speed trains are currently operational only in Shanghai, China, since 2003, by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Co (SMTDC).
The daily operational speed is 430kph and has reached a record speed of 501kph, with punctuality registering at more than 99.7 per cent.
Its spokesman said Malaysia, with its prime geographical location and potential, could be the first in the world to break through with Maglev and manufacture and operate the technology here.
Subsequently, it would be possible to market the product globally.
He said Maglev technology had substantial advantages and was well-tailored for Malaysia's roadmap towards 2020.
The spokesman added that a centre of excellence (COE) could be set up here if the technology was implemented, especially for the HSR project, which is set to catapult Malaysia as a global transportation leader.
The COE will facilitate technology transfer between the German conglomerates, with support from SMTDC.
"Malaysia could be the region's aggregation and development hub by adopting the technology.
"The breaking point will be the development of the HSR line.
"This revolutionary avant-garde system has substantial advantages and is well-tailored for Malaysia's roadmap towards 2020."
The spokesman said Ara Group had concluded two studies on the use of the technology, with the help of ThyssenKrupp and SMTDC respectively.
"The outcome of both concept papers looks promising.
"Some of the highlights include a much reduced travel time.
"It will only take 55 minutes to get from Kuala Lumpur to downtown Singapore.
"By utilising the North-South Plus Expressway corridor, the consortium will require minimal land acquisition."
Maglev technology eliminates noise and vibration below 200kph and is suited for urban areas and inner cities.
Train derailments would also be a thing of the past, even with the train running at 500kph, he said.
There is also relatively low maintenance for trains running on Maglev as compared with the conventional high-speed rail, which will minimise long-term operational cost.
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