CRRC Dalian will begin shipping the first batch of rolling stock for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in October 2025. The delivery includes two Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train sets and two electric locomotives for cargo operations, marking a key milestone in the RM50 billion-plus project.
The shipment from Dalian, China, is expected to take about a month. Once in Malaysia, the EMUs will undergo extensive on-site testing—8,000 km for the first unit and 5,000 km for subsequent sets. These trains are designed for passenger services at speeds up to 160 km/hr, while the locomotives will support freight at 120 km/hr.
CRRC Dalian, a subsidiary of CRRC Corporation, signed the supply contract with the main contractor CCC-ECRL in August 2022 to deliver 11 EMU train sets and 12 electric locomotives. The company has committed to full life-cycle support, including on-ground technical services, maintenance, and training for local personnel. A two-year warranty will also be provided.
The rollout of the ECRL fleet is on track for operational readiness by 2027. The line is a major infrastructure initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to improve east–west connectivity in Peninsular Malaysia.