ECRL service start brought forward, timed with year-end school holidays
KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast Rail Link's (ECRL) commercial operations has been brought forward to mid-December, with Phase 1 construction now 98.16 per cent complete and operational preparations gathering pace.
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has accelerated its commercial operations to commence in mid-December, coinciding with the year-end school holidays. Phase 1 of the 525km railway, spanning from Gombak to Kota Bharu through 16 stations across Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, has reached 98.16% completion. MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak announced the earlier start, responding to a Transport Ministry request.
The focus is now shifting from construction to operational readiness. ECRL Operations Sdn Bhd CEO Mohd Zaidi Sharif revealed that operational readiness is at 70.5%, targeting 80% by month-end, enabling trial operations. The initial passenger service will include six services each way on weekdays, with an express serving four major stations and a transit running through all 16.
Freight services are also planned, with electric locomotives capable of hauling up to 3,500 tonnes. The ECRL aims to offer competitive freight costs, potentially lower than road transport, once integrated with haulage and last-mile logistics.
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