East Coast Rail Link Phase-2 Tests Progress, Targeting December Opening

Malaysia Rail Link announced that phase-2 testing of the East Coast Rail Link, covering the Kuantan Port City-Gombak section, is currently underway using a comprehensive inspection train, following successful tests on the Kuantan-Kota Bharu stretch. CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the results are positive and the project stays on schedule to be fully completed by December, with passenger operations slated for January 2027, while the government urges an opening in early or mid-December.

He highlighted the need for continued cooperation from the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor and stressed that safety will not be compromised. Project director Kong Qi noted high-speed trials reached 176 km/h, exceeding the line’s 160 km/h design speed, and that all identified faults have been rectified. Subsequent tests will focus on automatic train protection, signalling, ticketing integration and a fault-free run without passengers, alongside measures to mitigate flooding and lightning risks.