KUALA LUMPUR – It is “inaccurate and misleading” to suggest that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) passenger train can reach speeds of up to 351km/h as it was never designed to be a high-speed train.
ECRL project owner Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said its rail infrastructure including foundation works, rail track, rail signalling system and rolling stock have been specifically developed based on a design speed of less than 200km/h.
“Since its inception in August 2017, the ECRL project has planned, managed and implemented its rail infrastructure on the premise of a fast train for passengers and not a high-speed train which industry standards dictate a running speed of at least 250km/h.
“MRL wish to state that the ECRL project’s rail alignment has also been designed with horizontal curves and cants (superelevation) as well as gradient that is not on par with high-speed rail track, considering a sizeable section of the alignment in the east coast states is built on sites with poor soil condition, cutting through hilly terrain and traverse wide river crossings.
“On that note, MRL must emphasise that the ECRL remains a fast train for passengers only and cannot be upgraded or converted into a high-speed train under current engineering specifications and operating systems,” it said in a statement today.
This came after a news report citing a Chinese expert suggesting that the ECRL can increase its speed to 351km/h during the Belt and Road Initiative in the Asean forum.
MRL said the ECRL was also designed primarily for cargo transportation, with its revenue ratio during operation projected to be derived from 70% freight and 30% passenger.
“Therefore, the ECRL passenger service that has been added is largely constrained by the design requirements for its freight trains. MRL also wishes to emphasise that the ECRL alignment, although using standard gauge (1.435m) tracks, will also cater to the operation of its freight locomotives and wagons that will travel at a maximum speed of 80km/h only.”
When the ECRL passenger train commences operation in January 2027, it will travel at a maximum speed of 160km/h from Kota Bharu, Kelantan to ITT Gombak, Selangor.
The 665-km ECRL will connect the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang before linking to the Klang Valley on the west coast. – November 18, 2023