{
  "id": 8195375,
  "title": "Phase 2 testing on track, ECRL opening by mid-December: MRL chief",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/phase-2-testing-on-track-ecrl-opening-by-mid-december-mrl-chief",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T06:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/09/1535452/phase-2-testing-track-ecrl-opening-mid-december-mrl-chief"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Phase 2 testing for Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd's (MRL) East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is advancing as scheduled, with the opening now anticipated to occur by mid-December, according to MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak. The second phase's testing, covering the Kuantan Port City-Gombak segment, is currently underway, following the conclusion of the Kuantan-Kota Bharu phase. A comprehensive inspection train (CIT) is conducting assessments of the Kuantan-Gombak segment, with initial results proving promising. MRL aims to complete the ECRL by the end of the year and commence operations in January 2027, although the government has pressed for an earlier opening in December this year. Darwis emphasized that safety remains the top priority, stressing that MRL will not compromise safety standards. The ECRL fare system has not yet been disclosed, with the Transport Ministry set to announce the specifics at a later date. The CIT testing has successfully completed high-speed trials reaching up to 176 km/h, which is 10% higher than the ECRL's design speed of 160 km/h. The testing aimed to detect defects in railway infrastructure and systems, including tracks, tunnels, bridges, traction power supply, signalling, and communications. All identified faults and defects have been resolved, and the team will now proceed with evaluating the automatic train protection and signalling systems, along with passenger service and ticketing system integration. The CIT testing is part of a comprehensive process before the ECRL can commence regular operations, which includes station acceptance and a free fault run with trains carrying passengers. Safety measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access and intrusion from animals, particularly in the protected area where trains will be traveling at high speeds. The ECRL was constructed above the 100-year flood level to minimize the impact of flooding on railway operations, and the 42 stations are equipped with rain-level monitoring systems. Additionally, a dedicated lightning protection system has been installed along the entire overhead catenary system to safeguard against lightning strikes.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Testing and commissioning for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Phase 2 is progressing well, keeping the project on track for its targeted opening, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}