ECRL Project Nears Completion, Cementing Strategic Malaysia-China Infrastructure Ties
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)—Malaysia’s largest ongoing infrastructure project—has reached 82.45% completion as of April 2025, with the government reaffirming its timeline for completion by December 2026 and full operations to commence on January 1, 2027.
This milestone was shared by Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, following a high-level meeting with China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) Chairman Wang Tongzhou on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.
“We discussed the progress of the ECRL project and the operational readiness of ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd. The commitment of CCCC has further strengthened strategic Malaysia-China cooperation in high-impact infrastructure,” said Shamsul in a Facebook post.
🚄 ECRL: A Game-Changer for National Connectivity
Spanning 665 kilometres, the ECRL will connect Kota Bharu in Kelantan on the east coast to Port Klang in Selangor on the west coast, passing through Terengganu and Pahang. Once completed, the ECRL will:
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Shorten travel time between the east and west coasts from over 7 hours to just 4 hours
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Create a seamless logistics corridor, supporting both passenger and freight rail services
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Enhance the economic integration of rural and urban areas across Peninsular Malaysia
The ECRL is also expected to drive growth in secondary towns, promoting transit-oriented development (TOD), tourism, and trade activities along the rail corridor.
🤝 Malaysia-China Collaboration: A Model of Strategic Partnership
CCCC, a global infrastructure powerhouse and the main contractor for ECRL, is delivering the project through Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) in a joint venture with ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd, which will manage the future operational and maintenance phases.
The collaboration underpins China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Malaysia’s push for infrastructure-led economic development. It also reaffirms strong bilateral relations between the two nations, especially in the railway engineering and logistics sectors.
The project was renegotiated in 2019 to improve cost efficiency and address local concerns, leading to a revised contract value of RM44 billion, down from the original RM65.5 billion.
📊 ECRL Progress Snapshot (as of April 2025):
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Overall project completion: 82.45%
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Civil works milestones: Bridges, tunnels, and stations well underway across key zones
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Track installation: Progressing through Terengganu and Pahang sections
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Station developments: Major progress in major hubs like Dungun, Temerloh, and Gombak
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Electrification and signaling systems: Scheduled to commence by Q3 2025
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Operational Readiness: ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd preparing for O&M phase by mid-2026
📍 Strategic Route and Stations
The ECRL alignment features 20 stations—combining passenger and freight services. Some key stations include:
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Wakaf Bharu (Kelantan) – Eastern terminal, near Kota Bharu
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Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu) – Promotes coastal tourism and trade
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Mentakab & Temerloh (Pahang) – Opens up central Malaysia’s economic corridor
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Gombak (Selangor) – Interchange with LRT and KTM rail lines
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Port Klang (Selangor) – Integration with Malaysia’s busiest port
The line will also include several tunnels, including the 3.85km Genting Tunnel, a major engineering feat linking Bentong and Gombak.
🏗️ Economic Impact and Job Creation
The ECRL is poised to generate economic ripple effects across the peninsula, with estimates showing:
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23,000 job opportunities during construction
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6,000 permanent roles in rail operations and maintenance post-completion
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Boost to local SME participation, especially in logistics, manufacturing, and F&B
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Catalytic impact on real estate near TODs and logistics hubs
Real estate hotspots near ECRL stations—such as Bentong, Temerloh, and Dungun—are already witnessing heightened investor interest, particularly in industrial parks, transit-oriented developments, and residential townships.
🔍 Outlook: Beyond 2026
As the ECRL heads into its final 20% stretch, the focus will shift to testing, commissioning, and workforce training. The authorities also plan to:
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Introduce freight hubs along the corridor to streamline cargo logistics
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Integrate ECRL schedules with KTM and MRT lines for last-mile connectivity
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Promote the use of renewable energy and green stations as part of ESG efforts
Moreover, ECRL aligns with Malaysia’s long-term infrastructure roadmap under Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) and complements regional growth under initiatives like Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV) and East Coast Economic Region (ECER).
🛤️ Conclusion: A New Era in Malaysian Rail
With over 82% of construction completed, the ECRL is no longer just a vision—it is fast becoming a transformational reality. The commitment by CCCC, paired with the government’s drive, ensures that the railway will not only boost connectivity, but also enhance Malaysia’s strategic relevance in Southeast Asia’s rail and logistics landscape.
As December 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on ECRL—not just as a railway, but as a symbol of regional cooperation, infrastructure-led recovery, and nation-building through connectivity.
