ECRL trial operations begin ahead of 12 December launch

ECRL trial operations began on Saturday, with a first run from Gombak to Kuantan that carried 170 passengers. Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) says the train reached speeds of up to 160km/h. Commercial service is still set for 12 December, according to Bernama.

China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd handed over the 523km Kota Bharu to Gombak alignment to MRL. MRL said the railway is “fully ready for commercial operations”.

Overall, here is what the trial involves, what it will cost and what comes next.

What the trial runs involve

The programme runs until 2 December. ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd, a 50:50 joint venture between MRL and the contractor, is running it. It will test operational readiness, station management and the passenger experience.

In addition, trains follow the planned commercial timetable. That includes boarding passes and cabin crew service. Express and transit services run between Gombak and Kota Bharu in both directions.

The first run left Gombak Integrated Terminal at 7am. It reached KotaSAS in Kuantan at 8.28am, after 88 minutes. After a stop, the train left KotaSAS at 9.33am. It reached Kuala Terengganu at 9.53am and arrived in Kota Bharu at 10.58am.

The route crosses the 16.39km twin-bore Genting Tunnel. It holds two Malaysia Book of Records titles, for the longest railway tunnel and the highest overburden railway tunnel. Moreover, Phase 1 has 16 stations, 41 tunnels and 218 viaducts. The stations include passenger stops and combined passenger and freight terminals.

MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said many Malaysians are looking forward to riding the ECRL. He said each trial journey helps check the service before it opens. As a result, the trial focuses on safety and reliability.

ECRL fares and ticket sales

MRL said the Cabinet approved a dynamic pricing system last month. Economy Class fares for the Gombak to Kota Bharu Transit service start from RM125. However, the operator has not released a full fare table.

Ticket sales will be announced through the official ECRL channels in mid-November.

Therefore, buyers should use those channels only, as fake ECRL tickets have already been reported. Earlier, MRL said fares would sit between bus and plane tickets.

Meanwhile, passengers changing from the LRT at Gombak will use a temporary link in December. The permanent bridge is due by March.

Phase 2 to Port Klang

Phase 2 will extend the line from Gombak to Port Klang in Selangor. The contractor said this section is “firmly on track”.

Likewise, the full 665km network would link Kuantan Port and Port Klang. Darwis expects the line to spur investment, tourism and jobs. He also cited new logistics hubs and industrial parks in the East Coast states.

Earlier, the Kuala Selangor alignment was reported to be 83% complete. Still, the contractor’s managing director, Deng Bo, called the Phase 1 handover “a defining milestone for cross-peninsular connectivity”. His teams are now focused on final preparations before opening.

In short, ECRL trial operations are now running, and the public launch is five weeks away. Watch the official channels for the ticket sales date and the full fare table.

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