ECRL First EMU Trains, E-Locos Head To Malaysia For Testing

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is moving full steam ahead as the first six-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) passenger trains and electric locomotives (E-Locos) make their way to the country, NST has reported.

The first shipment, which includes two EMU sets and two E-Locos, has left Dalian Port in China and is expected to arrive at Kuantan Port by the end of this month.

The 665-kilometre ECRL stretches across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang before connecting to Selangor, aiming to improve both passenger and freight connectivity along the East Coast and beyond. 

Once here, the EMUs and E-Locos will go through extensive testing, including an 8,000-kilometre fault-free run, supervised by the Land Public Transport Agency, before they officially start service in Jan 2027.

"The arrival of these trains shows strong collaboration with CRRC Dalian, ensuring a modern, efficient railway system built for Malaysia’s climate and terrain

"The rest of the fleet which include nine more EMUs and 10 E-Locos will be delivered next year," Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd said.

The EMUs, built on the CR200J platform, can hit speeds of 160km/h and carry up to 425 passengers in all-economy layout, or 409 with business-class cabins. Each E-Loco, using HXD3C technology, can haul 45 wagons with up to 3,500 tonnes per trip and travel at 80km/h.

Managing director of China Communications Construction (ECRL) Deng Bo said these trains will  play a key role in testing and commissioning the system.

Passengers can look forward to modern amenities onboard the EMUs, including business and economy cabins, wheelchair-accessible facilities, prayer rooms, hot-water dispensers, and a food and beverage counter. 

Passenger Information Systems will keep travelers updated on schedules, routes, and delays, while advanced control and safety monitoring systems make sure operations remain reliable.