The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in Malaysia stands as a significant infrastructure project poised to reshape national and regional connectivity. Spanning a 665-kilometer line, it will traverse 20 stations across Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. The project's primary objective is to enhance domestic connectivity for both passengers and goods, providing a vital transportation link across the peninsular region. With trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, the ECRL is particularly suited for time-sensitive goods such as pharmaceutical ingredients and agrofood products. However, cost-cutting measures have led to the deferral of the original fully double-track design, raising concerns about operational efficiency.
The ECRL is expected to significantly boost tourism on Malaysia's east coast, an area historically underserved by rail. It aims to alleviate severe highway congestion during festive periods, offering an alternative route for travelers. Additionally, the ECRL creates a land connection for transporting goods between Port Klang on the west coast and Kuantan Port on the east coast. This development could divert a portion of lucrative shipping traffic away from Singapore's established maritime hub. The project also promises to cut journey times by approximately one day, reducing travel time from Gombak near Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu from at least seven hours by car to just four hours by train.
The ECRL will enhance passenger connectivity in peninsular Malaysia, allowing passengers to hop on and off at any station with family tickets. It is anticipated to boost export options for investors and businesses located in the industrial parks along the line. Despite its potential, the current trucking volume between Port Klang and Kuantan Port remains "not significant," indicating room for growth in cargo handling capacity.
“Running train services on a single-track rail is very challenging, as each train must stop at passing loop stations multiple times along the route to allow for trains coming from the opposite direction," said Rosli Azad Khan.
This operational challenge is compounded by potential delays, which Rosli Azad Khan acknowledges as inevitable.
“Delays will be inevitable and will be a frequent issue,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Rosli Azad Khan expresses optimism about pricing strategies aimed at attracting ridership and achieving operational sustainability without losing money.
“We would like to price (tickets) in such a way that it becomes appealing for people to use it. And to me, as long as I don't lose money in operating, it's fine,” he stated.
“Once you start filling (up the train), more people use it, then let's talk about profit later. Let it get traction,” he concluded.
Technical and geopolitical challenges also loom over the project. Nor Aziati Abdul Hamid highlights the need for addressing infrastructure, logistics, regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation.
“However, this goal faces several challenges that need to be addressed for it to become a reality. These challenges are both technical and geopolitical, spanning across infrastructure, logistics, regulatory frameworks and international cooperation,” she noted.
By positioning the ECRL as a crucial part of a broader pan-Asia railway network, China envisions enhanced trade, investment, and cultural exchanges among countries along the route.
“By positioning the ECRL as a central component of a pan-Asia railway, China envisions a comprehensive transportation network that would facilitate trade, investment, and cultural exchanges among countries along the route,” she explained.
Ragu Sampasivam points out that the success of the ECRL in diverting shipping traffic depends on various factors, including the type of goods and their final destination.
“It all depends on the type of goods, where they are going, and whether they have to go through Singapore. Because when all is said and done, Singapore has got one of the best connectivity to the world’s ports,” he mentioned.
Wan Hakim Wan Zuhairi expresses enthusiasm for the project as a long-awaited development.
“The ECRL is something that I’ve been waiting for for a long time,” he expressed.
Nor Aziati Abdul Hamid also emphasizes the potential for improved connectivity in towns previously poorly served by existing rail systems.
“Many towns that are poorly connected by the current rail system will now have better access via the ECRL, opening up new travel patterns and increasing ridership,” she asserted.
However, she cautions that higher train speeds may lead to increased energy consumption and maintenance costs, potentially impacting fare structures.
“Higher speeds require more energy and maintenance, potentially leading to higher operating costs, which would need to be passed on to consumers in the form of higher fares,” she remarked.
Anthony Loke highlights the strategic advantage of rail transportation for industrial entities like Alliance Steel near Kuantan Port.
“You also have Alliance Steel near Kuantan Port at the industrial area in Gebeng. If they want to ship their products to the west coast, what better way than just put them on the rail,” he commented.
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