The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is moving another step closer to operations, with more than 70% of it’s overall testing programe now completed. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said testing and commissioning are progressing smoothly along the Phase 1 route between Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and Gombak, Selangor.
The current stage involves system integration, signaling tests and technical inspections to make sure the railway is safe, reliable, and ready before passenger services begin.
Since 25th August, a Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT) has been traveling along the Phase 1 alignment to carry out a series of checks.
The train records track conscious, checks the railway signaling system and tests the electrical supply through the Overhead Catenary System. These tests are important to make sure every major part of the ECRL meets the required technical and safety standards.
Gombak to Kuantan Port City in 90 Minutes
On Friday, the CIT also carried local and international media from the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station to Kuantan Port City Station.
The journey took around one hour and 30 minutes, with a similar travel time recorded for the return trip. Along the way, the train travelled through 16.39km ECRL Genting Tunnel, which MRL described as the longest rail tunnel in Southeast Asia.
MRL Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak said the progress made during testing and commissioning is an important step towards getting the railway ready for operations.
He added that every test is being carried out carefully to ensure the railway’s systems, infrastructure, and components meet the required standards before the public starts using the service.
More Tests Before Trial Operations
The ECRL has also started System Integration Testing, involving electric locomotives, Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and the CIT, which is fitted with sensors and other systems to monitor the railway’s performance.
Speed step-up tests involving electric locomotives and the CIT between Kota Bharu and Gombak have already been completed. Tests have also been carried out on the Automatic Train Protection system, which monitors train speeds and ensures trains follow railway signals.
More than 70% of the overall testing programme has been completed by the National Engineering Research Centre of System Technology for High-Speed Railway and Urban Rail Transit, which was appointed to test and verify the network.
Signaling tests are continuing from Kota Bharu towards Gombak, station by station. The programme is expected to be completed by October 2026, after which the project can move towards the Fault Free Run and trial operations.
ECRL Construction Reaches 95.41%
As of August 2026, overall construction of the ECRL has reached 95.41%. Phase 1, connecting Kota Bharu to Gombak is targeted for completion by the end of 2026. Phase 2, which will extend the line from Gombak to Port Klang is scheduled for completion by December 2027.
The full 665km ECRL network will connect Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang on the East Coast with Selangor on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Once operational, travelling between Kota Bharu and Gombak is expected to take around 4 hours, compared with roughly 7 hours by road.
Sources: Business Today
