Kuala lumpur: The Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang railway line upgrading project is expected to begin next year at a cost of RM264 million, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. He stated that the project, approved under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), would be implemented by the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), with procurement expected in the first quarter of next year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative aims to reactivate the line for passenger and cargo train services, thereby enhancing Malaysia-Thailand cross-border rail connectivity through the link to Sungai Golok, Thailand. The project is planned to start next year after the procurement process is completed and is scheduled for completion within three years from the start of the upgrading works. The project scope includes earthwork and track upgrading, fencing construction, upgrading of the Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang stations, as well as signalling and communications systems.

Loke mentioned that the project aligns with the aspirations of the National Transport Policy 2030 (DPN 2030) to promote rail as an efficient, safe, and sustainable mode of transport. Once completed, the route is expected to boost cross-border economic activities, facilitate the movement of goods and tourists, and serve as a key component in the government’s efforts to strengthen regional rail connectivity along the East Coast.

He added that the government had never neglected the development of public transport to support mobility and economic growth in the Northern and East Coast regions. Among the key initiatives is the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, a high-capacity passenger and cargo rail service designed to benefit the East Coast population. The 665-kilometre (km) ECRL line will feature 20 stations across four states – Kelantan (two stations), Terengganu (six), Pahang (seven), and Selangor (five) – connecting Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Port Klang, and is expected to be completed and operational by 2027.

Loke stated that the ECRL project would serve as an economic catalyst for the East Coast region, spurring the development of economic clusters that supported local businesses and balanced growth. The total volume of cargo to be transported via the ECRL is estimated at 24.6 million tonnes, equivalent to one million 20-tonne lorry trips.