The first shipment of ECRL trains, including passenger and freight units, is scheduled to reach Kuantan Port by late December, marking a key milestone for the RM50 billion project.
KUALA LUMPUR: The first shipment of trains for the East Coast Rail Link project is expected to arrive at Kuantan Port by the end of December.
The shipment includes two Electric Multiple Units for passengers and two electric locomotives for freight, according to a joint statement from project owner Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd and contractor China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd.
The trains are ready to depart from Dalian Port in China, with the logistics journey expected to take approximately one month.
MRL and CCCECRL confirmed the trains have completed comprehensive testing and Factory Acceptance Tests, which were recently verified by MRL as the ECRL asset owner.
Built by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, the EMUs and locomotives have been adapted to Malaysia’s climate, terrain, and passenger requirements using proven CR200J and HXD3C technology platforms.
Nine more EMUs are scheduled for delivery in 2026, while the remaining 10 electric locomotives will be delivered in stages during the same year.
The rail network is designed for maximum speeds of 160 km/h for passenger trains and 80 km/h for cargo trains.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the trains will undergo comprehensive testing, including an 8,000 km Fault Free Run supervised by the Land Public Transport Agency.
“This will open a new chapter in promoting ECRL as a green mode of transport for passengers and cargo along the 665 km electric rail network,” he said.
CCCECRL managing director Deng Bo said the first train shipment plays a key role in ensuring safe and efficient operations as the project enters its testing and commissioning phase.
The EMUs feature advanced train network control systems with dual redundancy for real-time monitoring of traction, high voltage, and auxiliary systems.
Electric locomotives are equipped with intelligent human-machine interfaces and millisecond-level safety monitoring for braking systems, fire protection, and high-voltage insulation.
Passenger comfort features include business and economy class cabins, wheelchair accessibility, prayer rooms with ablution facilities, and hot water for beverages.
A Passenger Information System provides real-time updates on schedules, routes, and delays to keep passengers informed throughout their journey.
The blue-and-white exterior design draws inspiration from Malaysia’s coastal landscapes and wildlife, giving ECRL a unique identity for East Coast communities.
The 665 km rail network spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, designed to improve passenger mobility and cargo connectivity between East and West Coasts.
As of end-October 2025, the project has reached 89% overall completion and is expected to commence operations in January 2027.
