MTR Rotem EMU
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 |
| Products | Electric multiple units |
| Parent | MTR Corporation |
The Rotem EMU—also referred to as the K-Train or K-Stock—is an electric multiple unit serving Hong Kong's MTR rapid transit network. Produced through a collaboration between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan and Hyundai Rotem from South Korea, this fleet comprises two main models: the TKE-C651, originally deployed on the Kwun Tong line until 2009 before transitioning to the Tseung Kwan O line, and the TKE-C6522-04E, introduced between 2006 and 2007 specifically for the Tung Chung line. Between 2003 and 2004, these trains also ran on the Tsuen Wan line, Island line, and Tseung Kwan O line.
These K-Stock units are distinct from the Hyundai Rotem-built R-stock trains that were ordered in 2012 for the East Rail line extension. The R-stock consists of 37 nine-car sets that began operation in 2021 on the East Rail line.
Tseung Kwan O line stock
The initial batch of 104 TKE-C651 cars commenced service on 26 April 2002. Although originally designed for use on the Tseung Kwan O line, incompatibility with its signalling system led to their temporary assignment on the Kwun Tong line. Following the 2009 extension to LOHAS Park station, these trains were relocated to exclusively serve the Tseung Kwan O line, while the Kwun Tong line reverted to operating solely with the M-Train. Unlike the M-Train, the K-Stock features a different arrangement of motor and trailer cars and does not include cars comparable to the M-Train’s D cars.
At their introduction, K-Stock trains encountered criticism due to delays and safety concerns related to door operation. Incidents causing passenger injuries prompted MTRCL to limit deployment of these Korean-made trains until their reliability was enhanced.
| Tseung Kwan O line cars | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| car type | driver cab | motor | pantograph | auto- coupler |
length (mm) |
seat | wheelchair space |
amount |
| A car | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | 23230 | 45 | 1 | 26 |
| B car | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | 22000 | 45 | 1 | 39 |
| C car | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 22000 | 45 | 1 | 39 |
A standard TKL K Stock train is arranged as follows: (Eastbound) A-C-B-B-C-B-C-A (Westbound). These trains can reach a top speed of , although operational speed is capped at . They accelerate from standstill at up to (restricted to under ATO), with a service braking rate of , and an emergency braking rate of . The propulsion system incorporates advanced two-level IGBT–VVVF inverters supplied by Mitsubishi Electric.
Tung Chung line rolling stock
The inaugural TKE-C6522-04E unit commenced operations on 12 June 2006. To accommodate the anticipated rise in ridership linked to the launch of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Ngong Ping 360, MTRC procured an additional four trainsets for the Tung Chung line. These units, produced within a condensed schedule compared to standard timelines, share identical specifications with the existing Tseung Kwan O line K-Stock fleet.
| Tung Chung line train cars | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| car classification | driver’s cab | motor | pantograph | automatic coupler |
length (mm) |
seating capacity | wheelchair access space |
quantity |
| V car | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | 23788 | 42 | 2 | 8 |
| W / X car | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | 22000 | 48 | 0 | 12 |
| Y / Z car | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 0 | |||
Operating in a (westbound) V-Z-X-Y-W-X-Z-V (eastbound) formation, the TCL K-Stock train achieves a top speed of and operates within service limits of . It delivers a peak initial acceleration and routine deceleration rate of , with an emergency braking capacity of . The train utilizes advanced two-level IGBT–VVVF inverters (model MAP-214-15VD143) supplied by Mitsubishi Electric.
International deployment
A derivative of the MTR K-Stock EMU was selected as the Phase I rolling stock for the Delhi Metro in India. While retaining a similar exterior design, these units were engineered by Mitsubishi/Rotem and manufactured locally by BEML under a technology transfer arrangement.
Appearances in media
The Tseung Kwan O line train is featured in the motion picture Blackhat.
External links
- [1] technical specifications