Malaysia targets December launch for East Coast Rail Link Phase 1

Malaysia is pushing to open the first phase of its East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, connecting Kota Bharu to Gombak, by December of this year. This ambitious target is nearly two years ahead of the initial schedule, which slated commercial operations for January 2027.

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Actually, we promised operations for next year, but today we are giving a challenge through the Fault-Free Run (FFR) test. We hope MRL can start operating this service by the end of this year.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has challenged Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. (MRL) to achieve this accelerated timeline, citing the project's smooth and on-schedule progress. Improvements in project execution have enabled faster completion, allowing the benefits to reach the public sooner. The government hopes the ECRL will be fully operational by the end of 2026.

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We hope this project can be completed and start operating in 2026 before the end of the year, thus allowing all the great efforts to yield results for the people.

The ECRL project, spanning Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, had reached an overall progress of 95.08% by July. The first phase, from Kota Bharu to Gombak, is slated for full completion in December 2026. The second phase, from Gombak to Port Klang, is expected to be finished by December 2027, with full operations commencing in January 2028.

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The CIT train will help streamline the operation and maintenance of the ECRL rail network.

System testing is a critical next step. The System Integration Test (SIT) to evaluate the rail infrastructure systems will begin this month, followed by the Fault-Free Run (FFR) test in September. These tests will assess the performance of electric multiple units (EMUs) for passengers and E-Locos for cargo to secure commercial operating approval. The Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT) will aid in operations and maintenance, capable of checking track geometry, signaling, and overhead electrical systems along the 665-kilometer route.

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We are pleased to announce that the CIT train is capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h and is also equipped with various facilities such as a control room, conference room, prayer room, dining area, business class cabin, multimedia room, and toilets.