The government agreed funding for the US$13 billion project with China last year. The deal will see the national China Construction Communications build the line. The Malaysian government says the East Coast Rail Link will boost local economies along the route as well as slash average travel times of 12 hours between the two end points by two thirds.
The blueprints show the line will run parallel with the east coast as far as Kuantan before heading inland to Gambak and on to Port Klang. This town is 40kms from central Kuala Lumpur and is the nation’s principal cargo port. If it gets the green light, the line will have 23 stations en route.
Malaysia currently has two intercity train lines and services are provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). The West Coast Line links Padang Besar on the Thai border with Johor Bahru and Singapore while the other connects Kelantan and Gemas.
12GO ASIA offers ticketing services for KTM trains between locations which include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Alor Star and Johor Bahru.
Malaysia opens public debate on proposed East Coast Rail Link
News in Asia
The Malaysian government has disclosed details of a project which could see a new 600km long rail route built. The government released the proposed route details for a line from Kelantan and Kota Bharu to Port Klang on the opposite west coast of mainland Malaysia last week.