THE nation’s largest rail infrastructure project, the East Coast Rail Link, has reached 91.7 per cent completion as of last month, placing the 665-kilometre line firmly on schedule for full completion by the end of this year. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said construction progress on the alignment from Kota Bharu in Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor remains in line with its timetable, with focus now shifting towards comprehensive operational preparations. “So far, commercial operations are scheduled to commence in January 2027 and there are no changes to bring forward the start date,” he said at a press conference after the special launch ceremony marking the arrival of the ECRL’s Golden Train Electric Multiple Unit and Electric Locomotive sets, as well as the presentation of appointment letters to the project’s mobile network infrastructure provider at KotaSAS Station. Loke underscored that the ECRL, valued at RM50.27 billion, is not only the country’s largest rail project but also a flagship symbol of Malaysia–China strategic cooperation. The project forms part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and reflects what he described as strong diplomatic ties and robust economic collaboration between the two nations. “Today, the ECRL project has once again achieved a significant milestone with the arrival of the first two EMU train sets and two E-Loco units in Malaysia. These trains were manufactured by CRRC Dalian in China and were only shipped to Malaysia after successfully undergoing comprehensive testing and Factory Acceptance Tests verified by MRL. “Today’s ceremony not only marks a technical achievement, but also reflects the close cooperation, mutual trust and strong commitment between MRL and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) to ensure that the highest standards are upheld in the development of a modern rail system in Malaysia. “The commercial operation of the EMU and E-Loco trains, scheduled to begin in January 2027, will open a new chapter in strengthening the ECRL. It will serve as a green transport mode for both passengers and cargo, spanning a 665-kilometre electrified rail network across the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor,” he said. To date, two six-car Electric Multiple Unit sets for passenger services and two Electric Locomotives designated for cargo operations have arrived in Malaysia, part of a broader allocation of 11 EMU sets and 12 E-Loco units under the project. With civil works approaching completion and rolling stock now on Malaysian soil, the government’s attention is turning towards testing, systems integration and readiness for commercial deployment, positioning the ECRL as a transformative green transport corridor linking the east coast and central regions of Peninsular Malaysia. - February 11, 2026
