Kuantan Welcomes ECRL’s First Trains Ahead of 2027 Operations

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has reached another operational milestone with the arrival of its first electric passenger trains and freight locomotives in Malaysia.

Two Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train sets and two electric locomotives (E-Loco) have been delivered and unveiled at the ECRL KotaSAS station in Kuantan, marking the start of rolling stock deployment for the 665 km rail project connecting the Klang Valley to the East Coast.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the arrival of the trains reflects steady progress as the project moves closer to operations. He noted that the new EMU and freight locomotives represent a shift towards a more modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly rail system for the country.

Each six-car EMU is designed for passenger service at up to 160 km/h and can carry up to 425 passengers in an all-economy configuration. The trains are fitted with passenger-focused features, including toilets, luggage racks, prayer rooms, food and beverage counters, and accessibility facilities.

For freight operations, the ECRL’s electric locomotives can reach up to 80 km/h and haul up to 45 wagons, with a maximum load of 3,500 tonnes per trip.

“The cargo capability is expected to support the long-term goal of shifting freight movement from road to rail between the East Coast and the Klang Valley,” Loke said.

As of January 2026, construction of the ECRL project has reached 91.7% completion. The Kota Bharu to Integrated Gombak Terminal section is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with commercial passenger and freight services targeted to begin in January 2027.

Once fully operational, the ECRL will operate 11 EMU train sets for passenger services and 12 electric locomotives for cargo, forming a new high-capacity rail corridor across Peninsular Malaysia.