KUALA LUMPUR, NOVEMBER 2025 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached an important milestone: the first batch of rolling stock two passenger EMUs and two freight electric locomotives — has departed from Dalian, China, and is expected to arrive at Kuantan Port by the end of December 2025. This comes as the 665‑km rail network is now approximately 89% complete, putting the project on course for its next major phase.

The passenger EMUs are built for speeds up to 160 km/h, featuring modern onboard systems suitable for Malaysia’s terrain and climate. Upon arrival, they will undergo a rigorous testing and commissioning phase including a fault‑free run before being cleared for commercial operations.

If all goes as planned, the first phase of the ECRL connecting Kota Bharu on the East Coast to the Gombak Integrated Terminal on the West Coast is slated to begin operations in January 2027. This will mark the beginning of regular passenger and freight services, significantly boosting connectivity between Malaysia’s east and west coasts.

Source: Malay Mail