ECRL on track, targets 90% completion by year-end

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is 89% complete as of October and could hit 90% by year-end, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak has said, according to a Bernama report.

“With preparations now shifting to the testing and commissioning phase which is expected to begin in mid-2026, the project is anticipated to commence operations from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal by January 2027.

“Phase Two of the ECRL alignment between Gombak and Port Klang is expected to begin operations in January 2028, thus charting a new chapter in the country’s transportation landscape,” he said in his speech yesterday at an MoU signing between the Terengganu state government and MRL to facilitate transit-oriented development (TOD) at ECRL stations in Terengganu.

ECRL on track, targets 90% completion by year-end

He said construction in Terengganu (six stations, 242 km) has achieved nearly 95% progress as of October – the highest among the four states involved, the others being Pahang, Kelantan and Selangor.

“With the support of TOD governance structures in each district involved, we will ensure that development proceeds in an organised, responsible manner and remains centered on the people’s interests. This is also the best time for us to attract investors,” Terengganu chief minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said in his speech.

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.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.