ECRL: Phase 1 Testing & Certification Will Begin in June 2026

The testing and certification phase for the ECRL Phase 1 from Kota Bharu to Gombak will begin in June 2026.

The testing and certification phase for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Phase 1 project from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Gombak, Selangor, will begin in June 2026, according to Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.

Speaking to Bernama, the CEO explained that the testing process will be conducted to ensure the system is fully operational before the official launch date of the Phase 1 ECRL, which is set to take place in Jan 2027. Adding to that, Datuk Seri Darwis also said that the first set of 11 six-carriage Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains for passenger service is expected to arrive by year-end, along with the first 12 electric locomotives for freight service.

MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak & Second Finance Minister YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan

“The first EMU trains and locomotives are expected by November or December, with the remaining units arriving in stages next year,” he said after the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Sukuk Impact Report for the ECRL project, which was officiated by the Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan yesterday.

Darwis also revealed that all track installation works for the ECRL in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang are set for completion by the end of the year. Meanwhile, an estimated 14.3 KM of excavation for the Genting Tunnel has been completed, with full tunnel penetration expected by May this year.

“The 400 KM track from Maran, Pahang, to Kota Bharu was completed on Jan 15. Installation works for the 100 KM stretch from Maran to Bentong will begin in April and be completed in three months,” the CEO added.

Finally, Datuk Seri Darwis has also confirmed that the overall progress of the ECRL project covering Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor has reached 78.5% as of last month.

Source: Bernama