The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is on schedule to reach 90% completion by December this year, reported Bernama. The 665 km-long rail infrastructure project had recorded progress at 82.45% as of April 2025, said Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.
“Progress currently stands at 89% in Kelantan, 91% in Terengganu, 84% in Pahang, and 67% in Selangor. These figures reflect that the project is on course for full completion by December next year,” he said. Last month, Darwis said that the alignment from Kota Baru to Selangor is set for completion by December 2026.
“Given the current scope of work, along with strong commitment and support from the participating states, we are confident of reaching the 90 per cent milestone by year-end. The key takeaway is that all components of the project are advancing steadily and in parallel. We aim to commence the testing and commissioning phase on June 1 next year,” Darwis added.
The communication, information and signalling (CIS) system at the first 15 stations along the stretch from Kota Bharu to Gombak is targeted for completion by either the end of this year or the first quarter of 2026, while the Gombak to Port Klang segment is scheduled for completion by December 2027, he continued.
“We have been able to complete the CIS system at a single station within 40 days. The ongoing work at the 15 stations is to ensure we are ready for testing and commissioning by June 2026,” Darwis said, adding that two electric multiple unit (EMU) trains are expected to arrive in Malaysia by the end of this year.
In terms of ticket pricing for the ECRL, the MRL CEO said it would be determined by the transport ministry in consultation with the land public transport agency (APAD) and other relevant authorities.
“As a guiding principle, the transport minister [Anthony Loke Siew Fook] has emphasised that fares must be affordable for the public,” he said.
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