East Coast Rail Link

Connectivity and Economy

ECRL – East Coast Rail Link is the government’s initiative aims for efficient national infrastructure which connect ports, cities and and upgrade public transport in the rural areas, particularly in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. The least developed states in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, also known as East Coast Economic Region or East Coast Economic Corridor.

It is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, also part of The Pan-Asia Railway Network. Where, ECRL connects Singapore to the south of the peninsula. And, to the north, via Southern most province of Thailand – Narathiwat, it connects Hat Yai, Bangkok, Vientiane and  Kunming.

Scheduled to be operational early 2027 for the Kota Bharu – Gombak section, and Gobak – Port Klang section in year 2028. It’s anticipated to foster economy development along the railway line, especially surrounding areas of the stations. Spill-over effects include but not limited to industry, agriculture, tourism, and hence create more job opportunity for the people.

Located north of Kuala Lumpur, Terminal Bersepadu Gombak already opened for Long Distance Bus service. Once ECRL is in operations, the terminal will serve as the transportation hub of northern Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas.

ECRL facilitates connectivity and accessibility for numerous destinations

• port to port connectivity between Kuantan and Klang, which will serve as Land-bridge connecting the two ports, particularly the sleepy Deep Water Port of Kuantan at the east coast.
• Stations in Klang area are well connected to the highway grid in Klang Valley, which includes West Coast Expressway E32, North Klang Valley Expressway E1, Shah Alam Expressway E5 and many more. Eventually, not only alleviate Congestion of Port Klang but also make the port to be more accessible and convenient for both cargoes and passengers movements.
• Stations of Kuala Terengganu and Cherating will facilitate accessibility to many of the tourism resources along the coastal areas,
  including beautiful islands offshore, numerous beaches and Kenyir Lake in Terengganu.
• Station of Temerloh for Jerantut – the gateway to Taman Negara and Station of Bentong for Bentong, Raub – the gateway to the origin of Musang King Durian – King of Malaysian fruits.

Malaysia eyes connection to Pan-Asian Railway Network

Malaysia is laying the tracks for a transformative future in regional connectivity, with growing momentum behind the Pan-Asian Railway Network and renewed interest in the long-discussed Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail (HSR).

“Our upgraded west coast rail system positions Malaysia as a vital link in the Kunming–Singapore corridor. This isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about integrating Malaysia into a fast-evolving regional supply chain and strengthening our logistics role in Asean,”

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, fresh from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, said that Xi had underscored the importance of realising the cross-border rail link.

He added that this opens up new trade corridors into western China, including Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang — regions with large Muslim populations. Read more…

Malaysia’s ECRL progress recapped: Latest updates, station details and why it matters

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid | 03 Jan 2025

Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) and China Communications Construction ECRL (CCCECRL) December 19 signed a joint-venture agreement to oversee the operations of the 665km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the newly formed partnership will establish a new operating company with both parties holding equal stakes and responsibility for operational risks including financial deficits.

The Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train design and ECRL logo are pictured at Zenith Hotel in Putrajaya December 18, 2024. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

What’s the status of the project?

The rail link is now approximately 76 per cent complete, according to the Transport Ministry, and Loke has said the ECRL should begin operating by January 2027.

What are the stations?

MRL said there will be a total of 20 stations, comprising 10 passenger only stations and 10 passenger & freight stations

• SECTION A
  Kelantan (Kota Baru – Dungun)
  Kota Bharu – Tunjung
  Pasir Puteh
  Terengganu
  Jerteh
  Bandar Permaisuri
  Kuala Terengganu
  Dungun

• SECTION B
  Terengganu (Dungun-Mentakab)
  Kemasik
  Chukai
  Pahang
  Cherating
  Kuantan Port City
  KotaSAS
  Paya Besar
  Maran
• SECTION C
  Pahang (Mentakab-Port Klang)
  Temerloh [KTMB interchange]
  Bentong
  Selangor
  Terminal Bersepadu Gombak [LRT interchange]
  Bandar Serendah [KTMB interchange]
  Puncak Alam
  Kapar
  Jalan Kastam (Port Klang) [KTMB interchange]
  Northport
  Westport

MRL said the aim is to have four interchange stations connecting users to KTMB and LRT services.

What trains will be used?

At the announcement of the JV agreement, Loke unveiled the design of the new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains, courtesy of Chinese company CRRC Dalian.

The six-car EMU trains are designed to carry up to 430 passengers and come equipped with facilities for persons with disabilities.

Eleven sets of these EMU trains have been allocated by CRRC Dalian, with the first set expected to arrive by the end of 2025, according to the minister.

The trains can travel up to 160km per hour, making a trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru in around four hours.

Driving there, the most popular mode of travelling to the east coast at the moment, would take up to six or seven hours.

ECRL Gombak Tunnel breakthrough

How to buy tickets?

Probably at the designated stations. It’s unclear if the tickets will be available through any online platforms, but it’s possible.

Why is this project important?

While the ECRL was designed to cut short travel time, the project’s primary purpose and main source of revenue will actually come from freight transport.

Loke said the link is meant to nudge a shift towards rail use for cargo transportation from road, which the unity government has described as an “important policy”.

The ECRL is expected to save freight transportation costs, while being environmentally friendly as well as improve road safety.

The Najib administration, which initiated the project, said the ECRL can be a catalyst for economic growth in the states of Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan.

These states are currently far behind most industrialised west coast cities.

Source: MalayMail