Kuantan: The first shipment of trains for Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, comprising two Electric Multiple Units (EMU) for passengers and two electric locomotives (E-Loco) for freight, is projected to arrive at Kuantan Port by the end of December.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project owner, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), and the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contractor, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL), announced that the shipment is ready to depart from Dalian Port, China, with an expected one-month logistics period.
The statement revealed that the first set of EMU and E-Loco trains have been approved for shipment after comprehensive testing and a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report was received and verified by MRL. Built by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) on CR200J and HXD3C technology platforms, the trains are adapted to Malaysia's climate, terrain, and passenger needs.
The statement also indicated that nine additional EMUs are scheduled for delivery in 2026, along with the remaining 10 E-Locos in stages the same year. The rail network is designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h for passenger trains and 80 km/h for cargo trains.
MRL's chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, mentioned that the trains would undergo comprehensive testing, including an 8,000 km Fault Free Run (FFR), supervised by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), before commercial operations begin in January 2027. This initiative aims to promote ECRL as a green transport mode along the 655 km electric rail network.
Deng Bo, CCCECRL managing director, stated that as the ECRL project enters the testing and commissioning phase, the initial train shipment will play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient operations, aiming to enhance connectivity and set a new benchmark for Malaysia.
The EMU is equipped with advanced on-train systems, including a train network control system with dual redundancy for real-time monitoring. The electric locomotives feature intelligent interfaces and millisecond-level safety monitoring systems. Additionally, the EMU prioritizes passenger comfort with business and economy class cabins, wheelchair accessibility, a prayer room, and a Passenger Information System (PIS) for real-time updates.
The blue-and-white exterior design, inspired by Malaysia's coastal landscapes and wildlife, gives the ECRL a distinctive identity. Spanning 665 km across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, the ECRL aims to improve mobility and connectivity between the East and West Coasts. By the end of October 2025, the project reached 89 percent completion and is set to commence operations in January 2027.