ECRL trials begin as Dec 12 passenger service target approaches
The first trial trip carried 170 passengers from Gombak to KotaSAS in Kuantan, taking 88 minutes.
Trial operations for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) started on Nov 7, ahead of a targeted commercial passenger service launch on Dec 12, 2026. The programme represents the railway’s final stage of preparation for passenger operations.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said the trials would continue until Dec 2, testing express and transit services in both directions between Gombak and Kota Bharu. The assessments will cover service efficiency, readiness to operate, management of stations and passengers’ experience under real operating conditions.
ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd, which operates and maintains the railway, will run the trials. It is a 50:50 joint venture between MRL and China Communications Construction Sdn Bhd. Trains will use the timetable planned for commercial services, while the programme will also include boarding passes and cabin crew services.
On the inaugural trial trip, 170 passengers travelled from Terminal Bersepadu Gombak Station at 7am to KotaSAS station in Kuantan, Pahang, arriving at 8.28am. The journey lasted 88 minutes, with the train reaching up to 160 kilometres per hour.
The trials follow system integration testing and a fault-free run completed on Oct 29, 2026. Construction progress for Phase 1 between Kota Bharu and Gombak reached 98.47% as of October 2026.
