ECRL Nears Completion with 89% Progress, Operations Set for 2027

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached 89% completion as of Oct 2025, according to Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak. He noted that the project is on track to hit 90% progress by year-end, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the MRL team and its implementation partners.

Preparations are now moving towards the testing and commissioning phase, expected to start by mid-2026. Once complete, the ECRL is set to begin operations from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Jan 2027. 

Phase Two, covering the stretch between Gombak and Port Klang, is scheduled to open in Jan 2028, marking a major milestone in Malaysia’s transportation network.

The ECRL, a high-profile national infrastructure initiative launched by the federal government in 2017, spans 665km across Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, and Selangor. It symbolizes strong bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and China and demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s strategic transport links.

Construction in Terengganu, which covers 242 KM and includes six stations, has achieved the highest progress among the four states at 94.82% as of Oct 2025. Darwis highlighted this as a clear sign of efficiency and dedication by the teams working in the state.

The milestone was marked during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MRL and the Terengganu state government, aimed at supporting transit-oriented development (TOD) around ECRL stations. 

The MoU was signed by Terengganu State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Ali on behalf of the state, and Darwis representing MRL. The ceremony was witnessed by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who also chairs MRL.

The partnership will focus on integrated planning to boost public transport usage, optimise land use around stations, and attract commercial and private investment. Ahmad Samsuri added that with TOD governance in each district, development can proceed responsibly and with people’s interests in mind, making it an ideal moment to draw investors to the state.

Source: The STAR