East Coast Rail Link 81% Complete

ECRL Project Achieves Over 81% Completion, Paving the Way for Malaysia's East-West Connectivity

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), one of Malaysia’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures, has marked a significant milestone with overall progress reaching 81.07% as of early 2025. Spanning 665 kilometers, the rail network will traverse the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, before linking to Selangor on the West Coast. This vital connection is poised to become a key driver of regional development and economic integration across Peninsular Malaysia.

From Groundwork to Above-Ground Momentum

Initiated as a cornerstone project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in partnership with China, the ECRL has now transitioned from intensive underground work to large-scale above-ground construction. This year marks a pivotal phase for the project as system installations begin across the entire alignment, setting the stage for final stages of track laying, station development, and testing.

The contractor responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the project is China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL). The company has played a critical role in managing the large-scale infrastructure development and coordinating efforts with more than 2,000 subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants throughout Malaysia.

The ongoing success of the project is a direct result of strong collaboration with local partners. The success of the ECRL project is a result of the unwavering commitment of our local partners. Their expertise, resilience, and adherence to high industry standards have been instrumental in driving progress.

Massive Investment, Major Impact

With a total cost of RM74.96 billion, the ECRL is a massive undertaking by any measure. Of this amount, RM50.27 billion is allocated for construction, while the remaining RM24.69 billion covers development expenses including land acquisition, design, and support services. The financing for the project is provided by the Export-Import Bank of China, highlighting the international nature and strategic importance of the venture.

Upon completion, the ECRL will feature 20 stations across the four states, connecting urban centers, rural communities, and industrial zones. This enhanced connectivity is expected to act as a catalyst for economic growth, promoting sustainable development in sectors such as logistics, tourism, and manufacturing.

Project Phases and Timeline

The ECRL will be completed in two phases. The first phase, which stretches from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor, is expected to commence testing and certification by June 2026, with operations scheduled to begin in January 2027. The second phase, extending from Gombak to Port Klang, is targeted for completion by December 2027, with operations starting in January 2028. (info as of 1Q2025)

The phased implementation allows for better resource management, more focused testing, and staged integration with existing transport networks in the Klang Valley and beyond.

Strategic Significance for Malaysia

The completion of the ECRL will usher in a new era for Malaysia’s transportation ecosystem. The rail line is designed to reduce travel time between the East and West coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, significantly improving passenger and freight movement. By linking the relatively underdeveloped East Coast states with the economic hub of Selangor and Port Klang, the ECRL aims to reduce regional economic disparity, support rural development, and open new trade corridors. Additionally, the project is anticipated to support job creation, enhance the local supply chain, and serve as a model for public-private collaboration in mega infrastructure projects.

Looking Ahead

With over four-fifths of the ECRL project completed, momentum continues to build toward its final phases. The coming months will see intensified efforts on station construction, rail systems installation, and final track-laying across the remaining sections.