Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will enter a new project phase on February 11 with the unveiling of Golden Train Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) passenger trains and electric locomotives (E-Loco) for freight operations at KotaSAS Station, Kuantan. The rollout marks the first public presentation of operational rolling stock for the 665-km rail corridor.
Two six-car EMU passenger trainsets and freight E-Locos arrived at Kuantan Port in late 2025 after shipment from Dalian, China. KotaSAS is the first of 20 stations along the alignment to complete system installation works and previously hosted the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in August 2017.
The six-car EMUs are designed for operating speeds up to 160 km/hr, carrying 425 passengers in all-economy configuration or 409 passengers with a business-class cabin. The electric freight locomotives can operate at up to 80 km/h, hauling up to 45 wagons with a maximum payload of 3,500 tonnes per trip.
The ECRL, developed by Malaysia Rail Link, links Kota Bharu on the east coast to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal in Selangor, traversing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor. Passenger and freight services are scheduled to commence in January 2027, with the Gombak–Port Klang extension targeted for January 2028.