The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is on track for a January 2027 launch, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke saying that while system testing and inspections have yet to begin, the ministry views operational readiness, not just track construction, as the most critical factor before services can begin. Named reports.
“Railway systems are not just about the tracks. System integration must come first, and testing has not yet begun. As such, the Ministry of Transport is sticking to the January next year timeline,” he said recently, adding that lessons have been learned from recent challenges involving the KLIA plane train and the LRT3 Shah Alam Line.
“The Ministry of Transport will continue to monitor the project and ensure that all technical requirements are met to ensure the safety, reliability and smooth operation of the ECRL,” Loke said, adding that extensive testing and commissioning is expected to begin in June.
He also said this in a separate message Named report that rates will be announced several months before operations begin. They will be determined based on an extensive investigation by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and are subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
“Currently, the ministry is focusing on construction and installation works to ensure that the project is completed on time. The testing and commissioning phases are essential and must be carried out before the tariffs are set,” Loke said, adding that construction of the 665km line was 90.81% complete as of December.
This achievement was supported by the completion of excavation works for all 14 tunnels, the construction of more than 500 km of track and the installation of more than 12,000 overhead line masts.
Regarding the Kota Bharu ECRL station, Loke said construction was 82.06% completed as of December, ahead of full completion expected in the second quarter of 2026. Built on a 20.94-hectare site, the station’s design reflects Kelantan’s heritage and features 500 parking spaces, passenger drop-off and pick-up points, covered walkways and staff quarters.
By December, 96.67% of construction had been completed on the 43km ECRL line in Kelantan, which includes Kota Bharu station in Tunjong (passenger only) and Pasir Puteh station in Cherang Tuli (passenger and freight).
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