ECRL Fares To Be Announced Ahead of 2027 Launch

Photo: Bernama. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has stated that the fares for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will not be announced until after the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) conducts a full study and the necessary authorities grant approval.

He confirmed that the pricing will be made public a few months before the start of official operations, allowing sufficient time for travelers to make their plans.

Construction on the 665-kilometre ECRL network has now reached more than 90 percent completion, surpassing its target. The achievement comes after all 14 tunnels were excavated, over 500 kilometres of track were laid, and more than 12,000 overhead catenary system poles were installed to supply electricity. 

In Kelantan, the 43-kilometre section of the line is nearly finished, covering the Kota Bharu Station in Tunjong for passenger services and the Pasir Puteh Station in Cherang Tuli for both passenger and cargo operations.

The Kota Bharu Station itself, built on a sprawling 20.94-hectare site, is designed to reflect Kelantan’s rich cultural heritage. Inspired by the Rumah Melayu and Bunga Ketam Guri, the station will offer ample parking, passenger drop-off and pick-up points, covered walkways, and staff facilities. 

"The project has reached more than 82 percent completion and is expected to be fully ready by the second quarter of 2026," the minister stated.

In terms of infrastructure, the 132-kilovolt electricity supply from the main substation to Feeder Station 01 has already been activated ahead of schedule. The ECRL is also set to receive 11 train sets, each with six carriages, with the first units to be introduced in Kuantan, Pahang.

"Looking ahead, the project will enter a comprehensive testing and commissioning phase starting in June 2026 to ensure safe and seamless operations

"The full line, stretching from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, is expected to be completed by December 2026, with commercial operations kicking off in January 2027," Loke added.

As for future expansions, there have been no official discussions about extending the line to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas. However, the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, has previously expressed hope that such an extension could spur economic growth along the border and strengthen ties with Thailand.