The first shipment of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) trains – two passenger electric multiple units (EMU) and two goods electric locomotives (E-Loco) – is expected to land at Kuantan Port by the end of this month, Bernama reports.
“The first set of EMU and E-Loco trains has been approved for shipment according to schedule after undergoing comprehensive testing and a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, which was recently received and verified by Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) as the ECRL asset owner,” an MRL-China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) joint statement said, adding that the shipment is ready to leave Dalian Port, with logistics expected to take about a month.
Built by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) on the proven CR200J and HXD3C technology platforms, the EMUs and locomotives have been adapted to Malaysia’s climate, terrain, and passenger requirements. MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said in the same statement that the trains would undergo comprehensive testing, including an 8,000-km fault-free run under Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) supervision, before they enter service in January 2027.
Nine more EMUs and the remaining 10 E-Locos are set to arrive next year in stages. The EMUs feature a train network control system with dual redundancy for real-time traction, high voltage, and auxiliary systems monitoring, business and economy class cabins, wheelchair accessibility, prayer rooms with ablution facilities, and hot water for beverages, while a passenger information system will provide real-time updates on schedules, routes and any delays.
Meanwhile, the E-Locos feature intelligent human-machine interfaces and millisecond-level safety monitoring for braking systems, fire protection and high-voltage insulation. The blue-and-white ECRL livery is said to be inspired by Malaysia’s coastal landscapes and wildlife.
The 665 km-long rail project connects Kota Bharu to Port Klang. It’s expected to cut travel time to four hours from seven by road (or over 12 hours during festive seasons).
Phase 1 (Kota Bharu-Gombak Integrated Terminal) is scheduled for completion by December 2026, with operations set to begin in January 2027. Phase 2 (Gombak-Port Klang) is expected to be completed by December 2027 and become operational by January 2028. Maximum speeds are 160 km/h for passenger trains and 80 km/h for goods trains.
The project, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, is now nearly 90% complete. Plans are being discussed to extend the ECRL to Rantau Panjang, which is on the Kelantan side of the Malaysian-Thai border; Sungai Golok being on the other side.
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