KUANTAN: Malaysia’s mega rail project, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), is gaining momentum as its first six-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) passenger train and first Electric Locomotive (E-Loco) make their way to the country.
The first shipment, comprising two EMU sets and two E-Locos, has departed from Dalian Port in China and is expected to arrive at Kuantan Port by the end of this month.
The 665-kilometre ECRL project spans the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang before connecting to Selangor on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the EMUs and E-Locos will undergo extensive testing, including an 8,000km fault-free run.
“The fault-free run will be supervised by the Land Public Transport Agency before the trains enter service in January 2027.
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“This will open a new chapter in promoting the ECRL as a green mode of transportation for both passengers and freight along its electrified rail network,” he said in a recent statement.
Darwis said the delivery of the EMUs and E-Locos reflects strong collaboration and commitment between the ECRL project team and the manufacturer, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Dalian, ensuring a modern and efficient railway system with seamless connectivity across Peninsular Malaysia.
Built by CRRC on the proven CR200J and HXD3C technology platforms, the EMUs and E-Locos have been adapted to suit Malaysia’s climate, terrain and passenger needs.
The remaining nine EMUs and 10 E-Locos are scheduled for delivery in stages next year.
The EMU trains can operate at speeds of up to 160km per hour, while the E-Locos can reach speeds of 80km per hour.
A six-car EMU can carry 425 passengers in an all-economy configuration or 409 passengers when fitted with a business-class cabin. Each E-Loco can haul up to 45 wagons, with a maximum freight capacity of 3,500 tonnes per trip.
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Meanwhile, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd managing director Deng Bo said that as the project moves into the testing and commissioning phase, the EMUs and locomotives will play a key role in ensuring safe and efficient operations.
“CCC-ECRL remains committed to delivering a modern railway that boosts connectivity and sets a new benchmark for Malaysia,” he said.
Equipped with advanced onboard systems, the EMUs feature a train network control system with dual redundancy for real-time monitoring of traction, high-voltage and auxiliary systems.
The electric locomotives incorporate intelligent human-machine interfaces and millisecond-level safety monitoring for braking, fire protection and high-voltage insulation.
Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the EMUs offer business and economy class cabins, wheelchair-accessible facilities, Muslim prayer rooms, hot-water dispensers, and a food and beverage counter.
Onboard Passenger Information Systems provide real-time updates on schedules, routes and delays, keeping passengers informed throughout their journey.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
