ECRL now 78.5% complete – Phase One testing, certification to begin Jun 2026, operational Jan 2027

The East Coast Rail Link‘s (ECRL) overall progress has reached 78.5% as of last month, second finance minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan has said, according to a Bernama report.

For the first phase (Kota Bharu-Gombak Integrated Terminal), testing and certification will begin in June 2026 ahead of an expected start of operations in January 2027, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said in another Bernama report, while the second phase (Gombak-Port Klang) is set to be completed by December 2027 and begin operations in January 2028.

“Alhamdulillah, this is no small project – it is a major endeavour involving many stakeholders working together. I congratulate MRL and CCC-ECRL (China Communications Construction-ECRL) for their collaboration in achieving the current progress.

“This project will boost the economy of the East Coast, acting as a catalyst to attract more investments to the region while creating numerous job opportunities in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang,” Amir Hamzah said.

According to Darwis, the project is on track, with construction progressing smoothly across 361 active work sites involving more than 18,000 personnel along the ECRL route.

“With this highly encouraging construction momentum, MRL is optimistic about commencing ECRL operations in two years, aligning with the aspirations of the public and the business community in providing seamless transportation for passengers and cargo. As such, East Coast residents living in the Klang Valley will only need to wait for two more Syawals before they can take the ECRL home to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2027,” he said.

Darwis added that the first of 11 six-car electric multiple units (EMU) for passenger service and the first of 12 electric goods locomotives are expected to arrive by year-end. “The first EMU trains and locomotives are expected by November or December, with the remaining units arriving in stages next year,” he said, adding that all track installation works in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang will be completed by year-end.

“The 400-km track from Maran, Pahang to Kota Bharu was completed on January 15. Installation works for the 100 km stretch from Maran to Bentong will begin in April and be completed in three months,” Darwis said, adding that 14.3 km of the 16.39 km Genting Tunnel has been excavated and full tunnel penetration is expected by May.

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