MALAYSIA: CRRC Dalian has unveiled the first two of 11 electric multiple-units and the first two of 12 electric freight locomotives it is supplying for Malaysia’s 665 km East Coast Rail Link project.
The 1 435 mm gauge vehicles were shipped from the port of Dalian in China on November 28 and are expected to arrive at the port of Kuantan in Malaysia by the end of the year. The remaining EMUs and locos are scheduled for delivery throughout 2026.
Both vehicle types are required to undergo an extensive testing programme, including 8 000 km of fault-free running, before certification by land transport agency APAD.
The EMUs are designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h and have a centralised power system. They feature both business and economy class, and have accessible entrances for wheelchairs. There are also dedicated Muslim prayer rooms with ablution racks and hot water service for drinks. Their blue-and-white livery is inspired by Malaysia’s natural environment and ocean waves.
The electric locomotives provide a high starting tractive effort and high adhesion, with a wide constant power range.
Both vehicle types are equipped with an onboard fault diagnostics system designed to maintain continuous oversight of the traction, high-voltage, braking, fire prevention and auxiliary systems; this also includes dual-redundancy-protection.
East Coast Rail Link nears completion
The rolling stock is being built supplied for operation on the 665 km ECRL. This double-track, electrified mixed-traffic line starts from Port Klang on the West Coast, bypassing Kuala Lumpur to the north and then heading east to Kuantan. It then turns north and runs along the East Coast as far as Kota Bharu, close to the border with Thailand in the northeast of the country. The 1 435 mm gauge line has been laid out for 160 km/h operation, but freight trains will be limited to 80 km/h.
The ECRL was reported to be 89% complete in late November, and the project is now moving into the testing and commissioning phase. Construction began in August 2017 and completion is foreseen for 2027.
The project is being promoted by Malaysia Rail Link, a special purpose vehicle owned by the Ministry of Finance. The railway itself will be operated and maintained by a 50:50 joint venture of MRL and China Communications Construction Co.
Although heavily influenced by China’s Belt & Road Initiative, the ECRL is not being taken forward under its aegis, following a review of the project in 2018.
