MRL said that more than 70% of the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) overall testing programme has been completed, as system integration, signalling and technical inspections intensify along the Phase 1 alignment between Kota Bharu and Gombak ahead of operations.
The operator said the testing and commissioning phase is progressing smoothly, with a series of system tests and technical inspections being carried out progressively to ensure the safety, reliability and readiness of the network before passenger services begin.
A Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT) has been conducting inspections and testing along the Phase 1 alignment from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Gombak, Selangor, since Aug 25.
The train has carried out multiple runs to record track geometry parameters, inspect railway signalling systems and assess the performance of the electrical supply system through the Overhead Catenary System.
MRL added that the tests are intended to ensure that key components and systems comply with prescribed technical requirements and can support safe and efficient operations.
On Friday, the CIT carried local and international media from the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station to Kuantan Port City Station, completing the journey in about one hour and 30 minutes, with a similar travelling time recorded on the return trip.
The journey also passed through the 16.39km ECRL Genting Tunnel, which MRL described as the longest rail tunnel in Southeast Asia.
MRL chief executive officer Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak said progress in the testing and commissioning stage marked an important step towards achieving the required level of operational readiness.
He said each test is being conducted systematically and comprehensively to ensure all ECRL systems, components and infrastructure meet the required safety and technical standards before services are opened to the public.
“Safety has always been the priority of the ECRL project,” he said, adding that MRL and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) would continue working with stakeholders to ensure all technical testing and verification are completed thoroughly.
The project has also commenced System Integration Testing, involving electric locomotives, Electric Multiple Unit trains and the CIT, which is equipped with various sensors and diagnostic systems to assess overall network performance.
MRL said speed step-up tests involving electric locomotives and the CIT between Kota Bharu and Gombak have been successfully completed, along with tests of the Automatic Train Protection system, which monitors train speed and compliance with railway signals.
More than 70% of the overall testing programme has so far been completed by the National Engineering Research Center of System Technology for High-Speed Railway and Urban Rail Transit, the institute appointed to carry out tests and verify that the ECRL network complies with prescribed safety and technical standards.
Other signalling tests are currently being carried out progressively from Kota Bharu towards Gombak on a station-by-station basis to ensure system functionality, reliability and integration across the network.
The signalling testing programme is expected to be completed by October 2026, paving the way for the Fault Free Run and trial operations.
Overall construction progress for the ECRL reached 95.41% as at August 2026.
Phase 1 from Kota Bharu to Gombak is targeted for completion by the end of this year, while Phase 2 between Gombak and Port Klang is scheduled for completion by December 2027.
MRL, wholly owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), is the project and asset owner, while CCCC is the main contractor.
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, the rail link is expected to reduce travel time between Kota Bharu and Gombak to about four hours, compared with roughly seven hours by road.
