ECRL to be affordable and on time
Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is nearing completion with 98.16% of the route finished. The project aims to launch commercial operations by mid-December, significantly reducing travel time across four states.
Why it matters
This infrastructure project represents a major advancement in Malaysian public transport, potentially boosting regional economic connectivity and tourism.
KUALA LUMPUR: Preliminary testing of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) train set has indicated that the journey from Gombak to Kota Baru can take just four hours, making it Malaysia’s fastest land-based passenger service when commercial operations begin.
The 519km route is now 98.16% complete, with the express service expected to take one hour and 35 minutes from Gombak to Kuantan’s KotaSAS station, another one hour and 25 minutes to Kuala Terengganu and about an hour more to Kota Baru.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak (pic) said the service was on track for a possible mid-December launch, subject to final preparations and approval.
The express train will travel at speeds of up to 160kph, making it the fastest land-based passenger service along the route, which crosses Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
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