ECRL cargo revenue forecast to reach RM214 million in 2029
Passenger revenue is projected to grow about 3% annually, while the longer-term business model targets cargo as the main income contributor.
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is projected to earn RM214 million from cargo in 2029, compared with forecasts of RM68 million for 2027 and RM71 million for 2028, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
In a written parliamentary reply published on Nov 2, Loke put expected passenger receipts at RM192 million for 2027, RM198 million for 2028 and RM204 million for 2029. The estimates draw on a consultant’s 2025 study and represent annual growth of about 3%.
Loke said actual revenue would depend on operating performance, passenger traffic, freight volumes and market demand. His reply did not explain why cargo income was expected to jump in 2029, nor did it give annual passenger forecasts.
Over the longer term, the railway’s business model targets a revenue mix of about 70% cargo and 30% passengers, Loke said. He linked that approach to demand for freight transport across Peninsular Malaysia between its east and west coasts, as well as access to major ports.
Passenger and freight income would help meet operating, maintenance and associated expenses. Loke said ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd (EOSB) would seek additional receipts from advertising, rented space and other commercial activities. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd hold equal stakes in EOSB and would share operating risks.
Project funding includes loans from China Exim Bank, sukuk issued by MRL, development allocations from the Transport Ministry and financing from the Ministry of Finance. The reply gave neither a funding breakdown nor figures for the government’s yearly repayment commitments.
The project’s overall cost has exceeded RM52.43 billion for its 665-kilometre route linking Kota Bharu and Port Klang.
