Hitachi Rail has been awarded a contract to provide advanced digital solutions and long-term service support (LTSS) for the Ampang Line in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of Malaysia’s urban rail network and strengthens the nation’s ambition to develop world-class local rail expertise.
Under the contract, Hitachi Rail will introduce a suite of digital innovations designed to enhance the reliability, safety, and efficiency of services on the Ampang Line. The initiative includes the integration of multiple radio networks to ensure seamless communication between trains, control centres and operational systems.
The scope also covers the deployment of advanced data analytics tools and the enhancement of Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) functions. These upgrades will allow operators to monitor performance in real time, detect anomalies at an early stage and respond proactively to potential issues. The outcome will be more dependable services and a better passenger experience for commuters using Kuala Lumpur’s rail network.
Long-term performance support
The LTSS element of the project will ensure that the signalling and train control systems of the Ampang Line continue to perform at their highest level for at least the next decade. By focusing on preventive maintenance and digital diagnostics, the LTSS framework will help the operator meet government performance targets while avoiding the high costs associated with short-term technical fixes.
Strengthening Malaysia’s rail capability
As part of its broader contribution to Malaysia’s rail development, Hitachi Rail has established a Rail Centre of Excellence in Batu Gajah. The centre provides specialist training and technology transfer, helping to build the next generation of Malaysian railway engineers.
Recent achievements include the commissioning of an Integrated Control Centre (ICC) to manage three major lines and the introduction of advanced safety systems across the Ampang Line.
A long-standing partnership
Hitachi Rail has played a major role in Malaysia’s rail modernisation for more than 25 years. The company first supplied its SelTrac™ Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system for the Kelana Jaya Line, which entered service in 1998, and has since upgraded signalling and control systems across Kuala Lumpur’s rail network — including the monorail, Ampang Line and Kelana Jaya Line.
Alfredo Drago, Head of SRS, APAC, Hitachi Rail, said:
“We are excited to support Malaysia’s digital transformation journey with advanced solutions that ensure operational excellence, long-term service reliability, and cost efficiency. This award not only underlines our technical leadership, but also enhances Hitachi Rail’s position as a trusted, long-term partner in the country. It also reinforces our strong commitment with the local government and rail industry for the transfer of know-how and development of local skills.”
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