East Coast Rail Link
Malaysians are no strangers to travelling by car to different states. But many would argue that travelling to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia from Klang Valley can be difficult, especially during seasonal periods, given that there is only one existing highway, the East Coast Expressway.
But with an expected launch of the East Coast Rail Link as early as December 2026, travelling by train from Gombak Integrated Terminal Station to KotaSAS Station in just over 1 hour 35 minutes will be another option for us really soon.
Table of Contents
What is the East Coast Rail Link?
Image credit: ECRL
The East Coast Expressway, accessible only via Gombak, is the only highway linking the Klang Valley with Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. To put this into perspective, Klang Valley is home to almost 9 million people.
However, this is about to change with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which will allow thousands of people to commute via train to and from four main destinations in Malaysia’s East Coast: Selangor, Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan.
This will shorten the usual travel by road from about three hours to 1 hour 35 minutes by the ECRL train via the express route. The ECRL will also be able to transport passengers from Gombak to Kuala Terengganu in 3 hours, and Gombak to Kota Bharu in just 4 hours.
Eleven train sets & modern facilities
Image credit: CRRC Corporation Ltd.
Phase one of the ECRL will open its doors for passengers, with a total of 11 six-car electric multiple units (EMU) sets. According to The Star, each EMU train set can operate at speeds up to 160 km/h and accommodate up to 425 passengers in an all-economy-class configuration.
Image adapted from: China Communications Construction ECRL Sdn Bhd via Facebook
The train sets include separate cabins for business and economy class, as well as carriages equipped with wheelchair spaces, prayer rooms with ablution facilities, and even hot water dispensers.
When is the ECRL operating?
Image credit: CRRC Corporation Ltd.
The ECRL is currently projected to operate in two phases. The first phase is expected to welcome passengers in January 2027. The second phase will be completed in December 2027, with commercial freight and cargo services connecting Port Klang to other stations set to launch the following month in January.
What are the stations connected on the rail link?
Nearly completed ECRL station at Gombak.
Image credit: Fawwaz Media via Facebook
The ECRL route runs more than 665km of electric rail line across four states in Malaysia – Selangor, Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan – with a total of 20 stations running through the states.
Here’s the full list in route order, from Kota Bharu to Port Klang:
| # | Station | State | Notes |
| 1 | Kota Bharu | Kelantan | Northern terminus; state capital |
| 2 | Pasir Puteh | Kelantan | |
| 3 | Jertih | Terengganu | |
| 4 | Bandar Permaisuri | Terengganu | |
| 5 | Kuala Terengganu | Terengganu | State capital |
| 6 | Dungun | Terengganu | |
| 7 | Kemasik | Terengganu | |
| 8 | Chukai | Terengganu | Main town, Kemaman district |
| 9 | Cherating | Pahang | |
| 10 | Kuantan Port City | Pahang | Train depot site |
| 11 | Kota SAS | Pahang | |
| 12 | Paya Besar | Pahang | |
| 13 | Maran | Pahang | |
| 14 | Temerloh | Pahang | KTMB interchange |
| 15 | Bentong | Pahang | |
| 16 | Gombak (ITT) | Selangor | Phase 1 terminus and LRT (Kelana Jaya Line) interchange |
| 17 | Serendah Baru | Selangor | Phase 2; KTMB interchange |
| 18 | Puncak Alam | Selangor | Phase 2 |
| 19 | Kapar | Selangor | Phase 2 |
| 20 | Jalan Kastam (Port Klang) | Selangor | Phase 2 terminus; KTMB interchange |
Image credit: ECRL
The Gombak station will be a key travel point for Klang Valley folks, as it connects with the Kelana Jaya LRT Line and the 24-hour Gombak Integrated Terminal. It’ll also have convenience stores, a Business Class Lounge, and parking facilities for passengers.
What are the fares for ECRL?
Official fare charges have yet to be announced for the ECRL, so stay tuned with us for updates.
Current progress on the ECRL
On 18th August, The Malay Mail reported that the first phase of the ECRL, which connects Kota Bharu to Gombak, is scheduled to open in December 2026, a month earlier than its original January 2027 start date.
The project is currently 95% complete and is undergoing extensive testing, including a Fault-Free Run to ensure safety. The transport ministry also announced that the second phase of the rail link connecting Gombak to Port Klang will begin operations in January 2028.
With these dates in mind, Malaysians can look forward to hopping on the ECRL soon.
Cover image adapted from: ECRL, Fawwaz Media via Facebook