ECRL explained: How fast, how far and when will Malaysia’s new East Coast rail link open?
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) could begin carrying passengers as early as mid-Decembe...
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia, a 665km electrified rail network, is set to revolutionize travel between the East Coast and the Klang Valley by connecting Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor via Terengganu, Pahang and the Greater Klang Valley. The rail link is being developed in two phases, with the Kota Bharu-to-Gombak stretch expected to open as early as mid-December 2026, and the Gombak-to-Port Klang section slated for a January 2028 inauguration.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of completing the ECRL before undertaking other high-speed rail projects across the country. The first phase is currently on track for completion in December, with the government aiming for passenger operations to commence as early as mid-month.
The passenger fleet will consist of 11 six-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train sets, designed by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Dalian. The ECRL is projected to nearly halve travel time between Kota Bharu and Gombak, reducing the duration from approximately seven hours by road to around four hours. Express services could also cut the journey between Gombak and Kuantan down to just one hour and 35 minutes.
Once fully operational, the ECRL is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers daily, with each six-car EMU capable of accommodating up to 425 passengers in an all-economy configuration. The train services will operate at speeds of up to 160km/h and will include provisions such as toilets, luggage racks, food-and-beverage counters, prayer rooms, and facilities for passengers with disabilities.
The ECRL's engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning contractor is China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), while operations and maintenance will be managed through a joint venture between Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company ECRL Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL). Extensive testing, including Fault-Free Runs and high-speed runs of up to 176km/h, has been completed to ensure the safety and reliability of the rail network. The Transport Ministry is also expected to announce ECRL fares by the end of the year.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
