East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Project: Unlocking Growth Across Malaysia
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is a transformative national infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia’s East and West Coasts. Spanning 665 kilometres, the electrified rail network links Kota Bharu in the State of Kelantan to Port Klang in the State of Selangor, traversing the states of Terengganu, Pahang, and the Greater Klang Valley. This alignment not only bridges key regions but also serves as a catalyst for industrial, commercial, logistics, and tourism development along its corridor. The project is owned by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc.), while the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) works are undertaken by China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC).
In a milestone event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on April 25, 2019, in Beijing, China, between MIDA and CCCC. This agreement underscores the collaborative commitment between Malaysia and China to drive Economic Accelerator Projects (EAP) along the ECRL corridor, fostering economic growth and strategic investments.
With trains reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, the ECRL will reduce travel time between Kota Bharu and ITT Gombak to just 4 hours, significantly enhancing connectivity for both passengers and freight. Scheduled for completion by end-2026, the ECRL will:
- Enhance economic linkages between cities, towns,
and rural areas. - Accelerate investments in high-potential sectors.
- Create jobs and spur local economic activities.
- Boost tourism and strengthen regional trade networks.
MIDA is dedicated to supporting investors in realising the full potential of the ECRL corridor. With its expertise and strategic partnerships, MIDA ensures seamless facilitation of investments and business opportunities in this thriving region.
Contact MIDA today to uncover strategic advantages and explore the immense opportunities along the ECRL corridor. Together, let’s shape the future of economic growth and connectivity in Malaysia.
ECRL Quick Facts
Technical Overview
160 km/h: Passenger Train Speed
80 km/h: Freight Train Speed
Track Components
Spur Line Length: 48 km
Northport & Westports: 25 km
Stations
(Including 2 future stations)
10 Passenger + Freight Stations
4 Interchanges
ITT Gombak
Serendah Baru
Jalan Kastam
Ports Connectivity
Northport via Jalan Kastam
(Port Klang)
ECRL Connectivity
KTM Komuter
LRT
Strategic Opportunities Along the ECRL Corridor
This map showcases the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) alignment and highlights key development areas along the corridor, offering vast opportunities for investors and businesses. Spanning the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, the ECRL acts as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development in key sectors. Strategically positioned along the ECRL corridor are the Economic Accelerator Projects (EAPs), which include Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) and Logistics Hubs/Cargo-Oriented Developments (CODs).
High-Potential Sectors for Investment
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) corridor is a key driver of Malaysia’s economic growth, offering vast opportunities for investment, job creation, and regional development. With its strategic design, world-class infrastructure, and seamless connectivity, the ECRL corridor is set to become a thriving hub for businesses and investors. Explore the focus industries that make this corridor a catalyst for transformation.
Construction & Its
Related Services
Green Energy
Related Services
ICT (Inc. Solution Providers
For Industry 4.0)
Research & Development
Specialised Technical Support
(Inc. Robotics & Automation)
Environmental
Management & Consultancy
Education &
Industrial Training
Engineering Consultancy
Integrated Engineering
Services (Turnkey/EPCC)
Oil & Gas
Strategic Industrial Parks Along the ECRL Corridor
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) corridor is a strategic transportation artery that connects the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, offering vast opportunities for investors and businesses. These industrial parks, designed to cater to a wide range of industries, from high-value manufacturing and logistics to halal products and biotechnology. With their proximity to key transportation hubs and seamless connectivity, these industrial zones provide a strong foundation for economic growth, innovation, and global trade.
Here are the key industrial parks positioned to capitalise on the ECRL corridor’s enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.
