THE East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has begun its trial operations programme ahead of the targeted Dec 12 launch of commercial passenger services, marking the final phase of preparations for the 665km railway network.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said the programme, conducted by ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd (EOSB), would run from Nov 7 to Dec 2, covering journeys between Gombak and Kota Bharu in both directions.
EOSB is a 50:50 joint venture between MRL and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd, responsible for operating and maintaining the railway network.
The trial runs will assess operational readiness, service efficiency, station management and passenger experience under real operating conditions. Trains will follow the planned commercial timetable, with boarding passes issued and cabin crew services provided.
The first trial journey departed Terminal Bersepadu Gombak at 7am and reached KotaSAS station in Kuantan at 8.28am, completing the journey in 88 minutes. The train carried 170 passengers and reached speeds of up to 160km/h.
The journey passed through several viaducts and tunnels, including the 16.39km Genting Tunnel, which runs through the hilly terrain between Gombak in Selangor and Bukit Tinggi in Pahang.
The train subsequently departed KotaSAS at 9.33am, arriving at Kuala Terengganu station at 9.53am. It left five minutes later and reached its final destination, Kota Bharu station, at 10.58am.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the trial operations would allow the company to assess passenger experience and operational arrangements before opening the service to the public.
He said the railway was expected to benefit Malaysians travelling for work, education and family visits, as well as those making journeys between the East Coast and Klang Valley.
“As we begin Trial Operations, our focus is to make sure the service is ready to offer a safe and reliable journey. Each journey gives us the opportunity to assess the passenger experience and operational arrangements ahead of opening to the public,” he stated.
The latest milestone follows the completion of key testing and commissioning stages, including the System Integration Test and the successful completion of the Fault-Free Run on Oct 29.
As at October 2026, construction of Phase 1, covering the Kota Bharu-Gombak alignment, was 98.47% complete.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet has approved an ECRL fare structure based on dynamic pricing, which MRL described as affordable and people-friendly. Economy Class fares for the Gombak-Kota Bharu transit service will start from RM125.
MRL said it would continue prioritising system testing, certification and operational readiness ahead of the planned launch.
The 665km ECRL network will connect Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang on the East Coast with Selangor on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between Kota Bharu and Gombak to approximately four hours, compared with about seven hours by road.
Further details on ticket sales and passenger services are expected to be announced through ECRL’s official channels in mid-November. ‒ Nov 9, 2026
