Expected launch of the Gemas-JB EDTP
Traveling from KL to JB will be a lot quicker with the completion of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Rail Project (Gemas-JB EDTP). The only thing standing in our way of faster travel on the electric train service (ETS) between the states is multiple launch delays since it commenced in 2017.
But we can now bookmark our calendars, as the Johor state government released a report on 25th February 2025 stating that the ETS to JB is expected to launch in August.
What to expect with the Gemas-JB EDTP
The completion of the Gemas-JB EDTP was first scheduled for 2021, before it was pushed to 2023, and later the third quarter of this year. Several factors contributed to the delays, including the Covid-19 pandemic, issues of land acquisition, the late arrival of electric train sets from China, and strict testing procedures.
According to Media Digital Johor, the Johor stretch is anticipated to begin operations in August 2025.
Image credit: Media Digital Johor via Facebook
The 192km ETS project comprises 11 stations in four major districts in Johor – Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, and Johor Bahru. It’ll link up with the Padang-Gemas EDT line at Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, to offer seamless electric train travels from Malaysia’s southernmost state, all the way north to Padang Besar in Perlis which sits on the Malaysia-Thailand border.
To reduce travel time from KL to JB
The Gemas-JB EDTP project costs approximately RM9.5 billion. As of November 2024, it achieved 98.1% completion, as reported by New Straits Times.
Once the final stretch is completed, the ETS will reduce travel time from KL to JB to 3.5 hours – a significant decrease from the current 7 hours – via an electric train boasting an average speed of 100km/h, and a maximum speed of 140km/h.
Image credit: PMCC
It’ll offer daily commuter services akin to the KTMB Komuter networks in the Klang Valley, northern Perak, and Perlis. It’s projected to serve approximately 3,000 daily riders traveling between KL and JB, with 22 daily services and a capacity of 300-500 passengers at a time.
Expected launch for Gemas-JB EDTP in August 2025
When fully operational, the Gemas-Johor Bahru route will form an integral part of a seamless rail network stretching from the southernmost point of Peninsular Malaysia to Padang Besar on the Thai border. This will mean less traffic for commuters and travellers heading down south to Johor from KL, and vice versa.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy exploring these spots in Johor:
Cover image adapted from: Media Digital Johor via Facebook