KUALA LUMPUR – The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will begin passenger services in January 2027, with freight operations slated for early 2028, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today.
Speaking at the Asean Ports & Logistics Exhibition and Conference 2026, Loke said the 665km rail corridor would transform connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia’s east and west coasts while unlocking new economic opportunities in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
“The ECRL will also strengthen Asean’s multimodal network, improving land‑sea connectivity and supply chain resilience, particularly between Chinese ports and Kuantan Port,” he said, as reported by NST.
Loke stressed that the project is part of Malaysia’s wider logistics strategy, complemented by major port upgrades at Port Klang, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Kuantan New Deep‑Water Terminal Phase 2.
He said these developments, together with the Westports Phase 2 expansion and Carey Island Port project, integrate smart and green technologies to support future maritime growth.
The minister also reiterated the government’s push to shift more cargo from roads to rail to ease congestion and cut carbon emissions. He highlighted the reopened Segamat Inland Port — supported by the Gemas–Johor Baru double‑tracking project and new locomotives — as a key driver for northern Johor’s economy.
Construction of the ECRL has reached 94 per cent completion.
The 519km Kota Bharu–Gombak alignment is expected to wrap up later this year, paving the way for passenger services in January 2027, followed by cargo operations in 2028. – July 8, 2026
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