First Chinese-Made Trains for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link Roll Off Line

The first batch of locomotives for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) — the largest overseas infrastructure venture spearheaded by a Chinese firm — has rolled off the production line in Dalian, signaling a key milestone ahead of the project’s anticipated launch in early 2027.

The 665-kilometer railway is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, designed to connect Malaysia’s less-developed east coast with its economic heartland on the west coast. More broadly, the ECRL is seen as a crucial component of the Pan-Asia Railway network, with the potential to connect with Thailand and Singapore, significantly enhancing regional land-based trade routes.

The initial rolling stock, manufactured by CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd., includes passenger and freight locomotives commissioned by China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. (CCCC), the project’s main contractor. CCCC confirmed on Wednesday that two CR200J electric multiple units (EMUs) and two HXD3C electric locomotives were completed this month. The 2022 contract covers 11 EMUs and 12 freight locomotives, with production having begun in April 2025. The remainder is scheduled for delivery by 2026.