Signalling disruption delays KTM Komuter, ETS by 4 to 5 hours

A signalling system disruption between Kalumpang and Kuala Kubu Bharu yesterday left KTM Komuter and ETS services delayed by up to five hours.

In a statement today, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) said KTM Komuter Train No. 2389 was delayed by 230 minutes, while ETS service EP9138 (KL Sentral-Butterworth) had a 305-minute delay.

KTMB said preliminary checks traced the disruption to damage in a system component, which sparked and disrupted the signalling system. However, the cause of the component damage is still under investigation.

“The signalling system disruption had a knock-on effect on the movement and schedules of other trains passing through the sector, particularly services to and from the north,” the statement read.

KTMB said the Rawang-Ipoh double-tracking upgrading works, scheduled earlier, were being carried out in stages, including along the Kalumpang route yesterday and today, requiring schedule adjustments on the affected line.

“The signalling disruption during these works further restricted train movements, compounding delays to several KTM Komuter and ETS services,” the statement read.

However, KTMB said repair works were completed at 5.15am today, and the first Komuter train from Tanjung Malim departed at 5.45am.

The national rail operator said KTM Komuter and ETS services had now returned to normal, though a 30-minute delay from the original schedule persists due to the signalling fault along the Batang Kali route.

KTMB apologised to affected passengers for the incident, adding that full fare refunds will be given to those who chose not to continue their journey following the disruption, subject to prevailing procedures.