ECRL expected to operate by early 2027 - Loke

KUANTAN - The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) train service that is expected to operate by early 2027 will accelerate the shift of cargo movements from road to rail to help ease congestion and environmental concerns.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the extensive transfer of cargo by rail between the East Coast and the Klang Valley will reduce the movement of huge lorries on the road.

When the ECRL starts operating, cargo will be transported by rail instead of the previous road path. This is an important policy the ministry will implement to encourage more freight transport using railway service.

"It is not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it will also improve road safety by reducing the number of huge lorries on the road, especially along the route between the East Coast and Klang Valley.

"As we all know, most lorries have to travel through Karak Highway when they go through the Titiwangsa route, especially in Genting Sempah and so on, and this will cause severe congestion as well as pose a threat to these heavy vehicles due to the geography factor," he said in a press conference after the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park's (MCKIP) 10th anniversary celebration today.

He said this project is a catalyst for the industrial hub at all levels of transportation in the country, and not solely for MCKIP.

Therefore, he said, more industrial areas and logistic hubs along the route, especially in Pahang, will boost the economy in that area.

"If it's possible, then not only in Kuantan but also at stations in Temerloh (specifically Mentakab station), Bentong, and some industrial areas in Pahang.

"We are committed to supporting the Pahang government and hope that it can develop more industrial areas along the route. The ministry's plan is for the main station on the ERCL route to not only focus on passengers but also become a cargo hub," he said.