Malaysia’s 665-km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has reached 95 percent completion, with testing and commissioning underway on the 519 km first phase ahead of planned commercial operations in January 2027.
The first phase will connect Gombak in northern Kuala Lumpur with the east coast, while the 146 km second phase from Gombak to Port Klang is expected to be completed by December 2027, with operations planned for January 2028.
Power has been switched on at all 10 feeder stations for the line’s 25-kV AC electrification system. System integration testing is underway, followed by fault-free running tests in September involving the first six-car EMU and an electric freight locomotive. Each will undergo 8,000 km of fault-free running under the supervision of Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
CRRC Dalian is supplying 10 electric multiple units (EMUs) designed to operate at up to 160 km/hr. Each six-car train will accommodate between 300 and 425 passengers, depending on configuration, with the ECRL initially expected to carry up to approximately 10,000 passengers per day.
The ECRL is expected to significantly reduce passenger journey times. The express service from Gombak to KotaSAS will take around 1 hour 35 minutes, compared with approximately three hours by road. Gombak–Kuala Terengganu journeys are expected to take about three hours, while Gombak–Kota Bharu journeys will take around four hours.
Construction of Gombak station is expected to be completed in September 2026. The station will include elevated platforms, passenger waiting areas, a business-class lounge, shops, parking and covered walkways, with connections to the Kelana Jaya LRT line and Gombak Integrated Terminal.
