East Coast Rail Link set to replace 90 trucks per train, boosting rail freight
The East Coast Rail Link will be able to move the equivalent of up to 90 container trucks with each freight train, supporting Malaysia’s shift to rail-based cargo transport.
The 665-kilometre East Coast Rail Link is 98.16 % complete and is expected to begin trial operations in November, with commercial freight service starting on 12 December 2026. According to Darwis Abdul Razak, each freight train will consist of roughly 45 wagons, equivalent to 90 twenty-foot containers, providing a rail alternative for moving goods between Kuantan, Kemaman and the major ports of Westports and Northport in Port Klang.
He highlighted that rail is more economical for distances over 200 km and urged east-coast companies to switch to rail, provided pricing, schedules and last-mile logistics are competitive. The project will also support passenger travel, cutting the Gombak-Kota Bharu journey to about four hours. Operations will be managed by ECRL Operations Sdn Bhd, a 50:50 joint venture with China Communications Construction Company, which will facilitate a five-year technology transfer to Malaysian staff.
Why it matters
The line could dramatically cut road congestion and logistics costs by moving freight by rail instead of trucks.
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