Terengganu eyes tourism and business gains from ECRL
The rail service is scheduled to start in mid-December and is expected to support the state's target of more than 15 million tourists for Visit Terengganu Year 2027.
Terengganu expects the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to help expand business activity and attract visitors when operations begin as scheduled in mid-December, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said.
Speaking to reporters in Kuala Terengganu after chairing a State Executive Council meeting, he urged entrepreneurs to examine opportunities to transport goods and extend their businesses to other locations using the railway.
Ahmad Samsuri said the state government believed the service would make travel more convenient and flexible for visitors. It would also support Visit Terengganu Year 2027, which has a target of more than 15 million tourists.
The state has discussed station facilities and supporting services with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd to prepare for the expected arrival of visitors from outside Terengganu, he said. Those talks also covered transit-oriented development around stations, intended to benefit visitors, residents and businesses.
Journeys between Gombak and Kuala Terengganu are expected to take approximately three hours, while Gombak–Kota Bharu trips are expected to take about four hours. Terengganu's 242-kilometre section has six stations: Chukai, Kemasik, Dungun, Kuala Terengganu, Bandar Permaisuri and Jertih.
