The first shipment of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) trains – two passenger electric multiple units (EMU) and two freight electric locomotives (E-Loco) – are expected to land at Kuantan Port at the end of this month. Named reports.
“The first set of EMU and E-Loco trains have been approved for shipment on schedule after undergoing extensive testing and a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, which was recently received and verified by Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) as ECRL asset owner,” said a joint statement from MRL-China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL), adding that the shipment is ready to leave Dalian Port, with logistics expected to be completed will take about a month.
Built by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) on the proven CR200J and HXD3C technology platforms, the EMUs and locomotives are adapted to Malaysia’s climate, terrain and passenger requirements. MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said in the same statement that the trains will undergo extensive testing, including a flawless 8,000km run under the supervision of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), before being put into service in January 2027.
Nine more EMUs and the remaining ten E locomotives will arrive in phases next year. The EMUs feature a train network control system with dual redundancy for real-time traction, high voltage and auxiliary systems monitoring, business and economy class cabins, wheelchair accessibility, prayer rooms with washing facilities and hot water for drinks, while a passenger information system will provide real-time updates on timetables, routes and any delays.
Meanwhile, the E-locomotives are equipped with intelligent human-machine interfaces and millisecond-level safety monitoring for braking systems, fire protection and high-voltage insulation. The blue and white ECRL livery is said to be inspired by the coastal landscapes and nature of Malaysia.
The 665 km rail project connects Kota Bharu to Port Klang. Travel time is expected to be reduced from seven hours by road to four hours (or more than twelve hours during the holidays).
Phase 1 (Kota Bharu-Gombak Integrated Terminal) is expected to be completed by December 2026 and work is expected to commence in January 2027. Phase 2 (Gombak-Port Klang) is expected to be completed by December 2027 and become operational in January 2028. The maximum speeds are 160 km/h for passenger trains and 80 km/h for freight trains.
The project, which covers Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, is now almost 90% complete. Plans are being discussed to extend the ECRL to Rantau Panjang, on the Kelantan side of the Malaysian-Thai border; Sungai Golok is on the other side.
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