First phase of ECRL to open by Dec 12

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd announced that the first phase of the East Coast Rail Link is set to open by December 12, with trial services beginning next month and dynamic fares starting at RM125 for economy-class trips between Gombak and Kota Baru. This new rail line will enhance passenger and cargo connectivity across the east coast, with cargo operations planned to start in 2028 and strategic hubs linking major ports to Port Klang.

The first phase of Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is scheduled to open by December 12, with the possibility of an earlier launch should final testing proceed without complications, according to Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, chief executive officer of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL). The opening date remains contingent on the completion of safety requirements and obtaining the necessary approvals.

The ECRL, a 523-kilometer standard gauge railway linking Port Klang to Kota Baru, is designed to serve both passenger and cargo transportation needs. The project owner confirmed that a fault-free operational run will commence on October 23, followed by trial services set to begin next month.

During a press briefing at the ECRL Gombak station in Selangor, Darwis announced the approved fare structure for the initial phase, which was endorsed by the Cabinet on October 16 after considering factors such as value, affordability, and service sustainability. Economy-class tickets for the full journey from Gombak to Kota Baru will start at RM125 one way. The pricing employs a dynamic model similar to airline ticketing, allowing fares to fluctuate based on demand.

Passenger services will offer two categories: the Transit and the Express. The Transit service stops at all 16 stations along Phase 1, spanning from Gombak through key locations including Bentong, Temerloh, Kuantan Port City, Kuala Terengganu, and concluding at Kota Baru. Phase 2 will later introduce four additional stations closer to Port Klang—Serendah, Puncak Alam, Kapar, and Jalan Kastam.

The Express service, by contrast, halts only at KotaSAS (near the new Kuantan City) and Kuala Terengganu before reaching Kota Baru, reducing the travel time to approximately four hours, compared to nearly five hours for the Transit route. Express fares start at RM147 one way. Dynamic pricing will apply to both services during peak demand periods. For shorter journeys, fares from Gombak to KotaSAS are RM60 for the Transit and RM68 for the Express, while trips to Kuala Terengganu cost RM95 and RM110 respectively.

MRL plans to derive roughly 70% of ECRL’s revenue from cargo operations, expected to commence in 2028. Upon full integration, all major east coast ports, including Kuantan Port, will connect by rail with Port Klang. Strategic cargo transfer hubs at Temerloh and Serendah will facilitate seamless connections with KTM Bhd’s train and truck services.

The passenger service schedule will generally run from around 6 a.m. to midnight, without overnight operations. Accommodations do not include sleeping berths; the highest class available is business seating arranged in a 2+2 configuration. Discounts are available for senior citizens, government pensioners, persons with disabilities, and children under 12, who enjoy half-price fares. Students aged 13 to 24 are eligible for a 40% discount.

The full timetable and detailed fare information for all stations along the route will be announced when ticket sales begin in mid-November. Additional information can be found on the official ECRL website.

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