27 June 2013
YTL Corp Bhd is in talks with Spanish train manufacturers to buy up to four train sets worth some RM150 million to serve the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2), sources said.
The company has a 30-year concession, held via 50 per cent-owned unit Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL), to operate the KLIA Express and KLIA Transit on the railway line between KL Sentral in Brickfields and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The railway line is currently served by 12 electric high-speed trains, from German-based Siemens AG. ERL is extending the railway line to link it to klia2 for about RM100 million, reported Business Times Malaysia.
ERL chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor said in May that the railway line extension will increase ridership by 40 per cent to 7.4 million.
"Trains supplied by Siemens cost 30 per cent more than its competitors and YTL wants to keep spending low. It is sourcing for cheaper trains," sources said. YTL, controlled by Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, plans to acquire between two and four train sets, each comprising four coaches.
Sources said several manufacturers in China such as China South Railway have also offered proposals to YTL to buy their trains. "YTL may buy the trains either from Spain or China. The deal is expected to conclude around October this year. The trains will be delivered in the next 20 months," the sources said.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd said recently that klia2 will open in April next year.
Source: www.themalaysianinsider.com
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