ECRL Phase 1 Completed Ahead Of Schedule, Trial Operations Begin

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has reached a major milestone with the completion and handover of Phase 1 from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Gombak, Selangor, to the project owner, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL).

MRL, in a statement today, said China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL), the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) contractor for the project, officially handed over the 523-kilometre (km) Kota Bharu-Gombak alignment today, marking that the railway system is fully ready for commercial operations, scheduled to commence on Dec 12.

It said the handover coincides with the commencement of the ECRL Trial Operations Programme today, which will run until Dec 2 as the final phase of preparations ahead of the launch of passenger services.

The programme, conducted by ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd (EOSB), a 50:50 joint venture between MRL and CCCECRL, will assess operational readiness, service efficiency, station management and passenger experience in a real operating environment.

MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said each journey during the trial operations would provide an opportunity to assess passenger experience and operational arrangements to ensure the service was safe and reliable before opening to the public.

"We know many Malaysians are looking forward to experiencing ECRL. The value of the railway will be felt in everyday journeys, whether they are travelling home to see family, travelling for work or education, or making journeys between the East Coast and the Klang Valley," he said in a statement.

According to the statement, the first trial journey departed from the Gombak Integrated Terminal station at 7 am today, and arrived at KotaSAS station in Kuantan, Pahang, at 8.28 am, completing the journey in 88 minutes with 170 passengers onboard and reaching speeds of up to 160 km per hour.

The train subsequently departed KotaSAS at 9.33 am, arriving at Kuala Terengganu station at 9.53 am before continuing its journey and reaching Kota Bharu station at 10.58 am.

It said, during the trial period, ECRL electric multiple unit (EMU) trains will operate according to the planned commercial passenger timetable, including the issuance of boarding passes and provision of cabin crew services, covering both express and transit services between Gombak and Kota Bharu in both directions.

Darwis said, backed by a modern and state-of-the-art railway system, ECRL's commercial operations will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development as well as enhance connectivity along its rail network.

“We anticipate the ECRL to spur investment opportunities, drive tourism growth, foster job creation, and develop new logistics hubs and industrial parks in the East Coast states,” he added.

The statement said the Phase 1 handover also encompasses a fully integrated railway network comprising 16 stations, including dedicated passenger stations and combined passenger and freight terminals, as well as 41 tunnels and 218 viaducts spanning 154 km.

Among the project's major engineering achievements is the 16.39 km twin-bore Genting Tunnel, which holds two Malaysia Book of Records recognitions as the country's Longest Railway Tunnel and Highest Overburden Railway Tunnel.

Meanwhile, CCCECRL managing director Deng Bo said the delivery of a fully operational railway system for ECRL Phase 1 represents a defining milestone for cross-peninsular connectivity.

“This is a fully integrated railway network where trains, stations, signalling, power supply and operational systems work seamlessly together. By handing over this entire rail ecosystem, we are providing Malaysia with a modern railway backbone that will transform regional travel and commerce.

“Our teams are now fully focused on supporting the final pre-operational preparations, ensuring the entire system meets the required standards for handover to MRL," he said in a statement.

MRL said with the Phase 1 railway system successfully handed over, CCCECRL is now concentrating its resources on Phase 2, which extends the rail network from Gombak to its final maritime gateway at Port Klang in Selangor.

It said engineering and systems works for Phase 2 remain firmly on track, paving the way for full network integration of the entire 665 km network.

Upon completion, the ECRL will serve as a high-capacity land bridge connecting Kuantan Port and Port Klang, strengthening logistics connectivity and unlocking new economic opportunities across Peninsular Malaysia.

MRL said the ECRL fare structure, based on a dynamic pricing mechanism, was approved by the Cabinet last month, with Economy Class fares for the Gombak-Kota Bharu Transit service starting from RM125.

Further information on ticket sales and passenger services will be announced through ECRL's official channels in mid-November.

-- BERNAMA