East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Expected to Begin Operations in 2027: KTMB Emphasizes Complementary Deve

(Kuala Lumpur, April 14) The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is expected to commence operations and open for service by 2027. However, this will not threaten the sustainability of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). Instead, it will complement its services.

KTMB’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Rani, told The New Straits Times that the 665-kilometer-long ECRL will only intersect with a few of KTMB’s rail lines, specifically at Jalan Kastam in Port Klang, Serendah in Selangor, and Mentakab in Pahang.

"We are actually complementary to each other. Integrated stations will be established at Jalan Kastam, Serendah, and Mentakab."

He explained that the Mentakab station, in particular, will allow connectivity to KTMB’s "Eastern People’s Express" (Ekspres Rakyat Timuran) and "Eastern Shuttle" (Shuttle Timuran) services.

"Our corridors are different; the only similarity is that the final destination for both is Port Klang."

He added that the integration of networks will benefit both companies’ passenger and freight services.

Earlier, in January this year, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook stated that 76% of the ECRL project had been completed and that it would feature 20 stations, with 10 being exclusively for passenger services and the other 10 serving both passenger and freight purposes.

He highlighted that the ECRL, which connects the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia via Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and the Klang Valley, will also increase the utilization of KTMB’s rail network.

He noted that the interchange stations at Jalan Kastam, Serendah, and Mentakab will facilitate both commuter and freight traffic.