KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has issued a clarification, correcting media reports that erroneously stated the maximum speed of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) passenger train.
Contrary to previous information, MRL has confirmed that the designed speed for the ECRL passenger train is 160 kilometres per hour (km/h).
MRL, the project owner of the ECRL, said in a statement that the rail infrastructure, including foundation works, rail track, rail signalling system, and rolling stock, has been specifically designed for a maximum speed of less than 200 km/h.
It said the ECRL remains a fast train for passengers but is not engineered to be upgraded or converted into a high-speed train under current specifications and operating systems.
"Therefore, recent news reports citing a Chinese expert suggesting that ECRL can increase its speed to 351 km/h during the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Asean forum is inaccurate and misleading.
"MRL wishes to highlight the ECRL is also designed primarily for cargo transportation, with its revenue ratio during operation projected to be derived from 70 per cent freight and 30 per cent passenger.
"Therefore, the ECRL passenger service that has been added is largely constrained by the design requirements for its freight trains," it said.
MRL also emphasised that the ECRL alignment, although using standard gauge (1.435 meter) tracks, will also cater to the operation of its freight locomotives and wagons that will travel at a maximum speed of 80 km/h only.
It added that the ECRL Project, initiated in August 2017, has focused on providing a fast train service for passengers, adhering to industry standards that dictate a minimum running speed of 250 km/h for high-speed trains.
"The rail alignment of the ECRL Project has been planned with horizontal curves, cants (superelevation), and gradients that differ from high-speed rail tracks.
"This design consideration is crucial, especially since a significant portion of the alignment in the East Coast states traverses challenging terrain, including sites with poor soil conditions and wide river crossings."
However, MRL remains optimistic about the ECRL passenger train's efficiency, noting that it will link Kota Bharu with ITT Gombak in four hours when operational in January 2027.
It said this is a significant improvement compared to the seven-hour journey by road transport, especially during festive seasons.