The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is gearing up for another major milestone, with the first batch of trains, comprising two passengers electric multiple units (EMU) and two goods electric locomotives (E-Loco), expected to arrive at Kuantan Port by the end of December according to Bernama.
In a joint statement, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) confirmed that the trains have passed all manufacturing and safety checks, including the comprehensive Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). The shipment has been approved for delivery and is currently preparing to depart from Dalian Port, China with logistic estimated to take about a month.
Trains Built for Malaysia’s terrain, climate and passenger needs
Manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the EMUs and E-Locos are based on CRRC’s proven CR200J and HXD3C platforms, but customised for Malaysia’s conditions. MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the trains would undergo extensive testing once they arrive, including an 8,000KM fault-free run under the supervision of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). This is a mandatory step before the trains can enter passenger service in January 2027.
More trains arriving in 2026
Another nine EMUs and 10 E-Locos will be delivered in phases throughout next year. The new EMUs will offer a range of passenger-centric features, including business and economy class cabins, wheelchair-accessible spaces. Prayer rooms with ablution facilities, hot water dispensers, real-time passenger information systems, a dual-redundancy network control system for monitoring traction, voltage and auxiliary systems.
Meanwhile, the E-Locos come equipped with advanced safety technologies such as intelligent human-machine interfaces and millisecond-level monitoring for braking, fire protection and insulation. The trains feature an eye-catching blue-and-while livery inspired by Malaysia’s coastal scenery and wildlife.
The 665KM ECRL line will connect Kota Bharu to Port Klang, reducing travel time to about four hours, compared to the current seven hours by road, a journey that can stretch beyond 12 hours during festive season. The project is now nearly 90% complete, spanning the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor. Phase 1 (Kota Bharu-Gombak Integrated Terminal): Completion by December 2026, operations begin January 2027. Phase 2 (Gombak-Port Klang), completion by December 2027, operations begin January 2028.
Passengers trains will operate at 160 km/h, while freight trains will run at 80 km/h.
The government is also studying a proposed extension of the ECRL to Rantau Panjang, which borders Sungai Golok in southern Thailand. Such an expansion would strengthen Malaysia-Thailand connectivity and support cross-border economic activity.
Sources: Paultanorg, Bernama
