ECRL Kota Bharu–Gombak service targets December 2026 launch, a month ahead of schedule

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Phase 1 service between Kota Bharu and Gombak is set to begin operations by December 2026, a month earlier than the originally planned January 2027 start. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced this target, which depends on the successful completion of System Integration Testing (SIT) and Fault-Free Run (FFR) without compromising safety standards.

MRL and the main contractor, China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), must work to speed up the process, aiming to facilitate the service from Kelantan to Selangor by the end of this year. Loke highlighted the need to expedite the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) testing and certification processes, with the goal of shortening the usual two to three-month period.

The SIT, starting in December, will test the electrical and signalling systems, while FFR is scheduled for September. The first train set and E-Loco will undergo FFR over 8,000 kilometers under APAD supervision to ensure operational safety and reliability. ECRL's progress stands at 95.08% as of July, with Phase 2, connecting Gombak to Port Klang, expected to be completed by December 2027 with operations starting in January 2028.