MTR Hyundai Rotem EMU
| Company type | Electric multiple unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Busan , South Korea |
| Products | Electric multiple units |
Hyundai Rotem EMU
The Hyundai Rotem EMU—also identified as R-Train or 1141B ()—is an electric multiple unit designed for heavy rail use and operated by Hong Kong's MTR. These 9-car trainsets, built by Hyundai Rotem in Busan, South Korea, serve the North South Corridor, an extension of the East Rail line. The entire project involved an investment of around HK$4 billion.
The initial batch was delivered in 2015, with a subsequent order for six additional sets placed in May 2020; however, these extra units were never manufactured. Although originally slated to commence service between late 2017 and early 2018, the trains officially entered operation starting 6 February 2021. By 2022, all 43 trainsets (totaling 387 cars) had been deployed, replacing the older Metro Cammell EMUs and allowing the SP1900 EMUs to be reassigned to the Tuen Ma Line.
Key technical attributes include a maximum design speed of 140 km/h (with operational speeds capped at 120 km/h), a peak passenger throughput capacity of 82,500 per hour per direction, and state-of-the-art safety systems such as Siemens Trainguard MT CBTC featuring automatic train operation and protection. The trains are powered by Mitsubishi Electric traction motors producing a combined output of 4.56 MW and incorporate regenerative braking technology to optimize energy consumption.
Formation
Trainsets are numbered from D001/D003 (Trainset 1) through D127/D129 (Trainset 43), each maintaining a single first class car per set, consistent with previous SP1900 and Metro Cammell EMUs. The current 9-car configuration is shorter than the earlier 12-car East Rail Line trains due to spatial constraints imposed by new underground platforms constructed for the Sha Tin to Central Link. This reduction has raised concerns about potential overcrowding. Nevertheless, both the Transport and Housing Bureau and MTR Corporation expect that improvements in signaling and increased operational speeds will allow service frequency to improve from three-minute intervals down to two minutes. Additionally, once the Sha Tin to Central Link (Tai Wai – Hung Hom segment) is fully operational, it is projected that approximately 20% of existing East Rail line commuters will transfer to the new East West Corridor.
Design and features
The Hyundai Rotem EMU incorporates several enhancements compared to existing rolling stock:
- The exterior design mirrors that of the C-trains, including emergency exits painted in the South Island line color scheme—marking the first time such exits have appeared on ex-KCR trains. The cab fronts feature subtly angled noses with redesigned headlight arrangements.
- Door placement is more uniformly distributed throughout the trainset; notably, doors on first class cars are painted yellow for easy identification, and both doors allow standard boarding procedures instead of the previously offset door setup.
- Seating near gangway connections has been arranged horizontally to maximize standing room.
- Wider compartments enhance passenger capacity and improve safety at curved platforms with narrower gaps, such as those at University and Mong Kok East stations.
- All illumination uses energy-efficient LED lighting rather than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- A 27-inch LCD screen provides support for MTR In-Train TV services.
- Passenger convenience is further improved through dynamic route maps and upgraded grab poles that branch into two.
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