The first batch of electric vehicles custom-built for Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link project rolled off the production line on Tuesday at the CRRC Dalian factory in Dalian, Liaoning province.
The two electric multiple units and two electric locomotives are expected to be delivered to Malaysia by the end of this year, with the delivery of the remaining fleet scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026.
CRRC Dalian is responsible for manufacturing 11 EMUs and 12 locomotives for the project.
The rail project is being constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). It spans over 600 kilometers and is expected to begin operations in early 2027. It connects the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, creating a corridor for people, goods, and trade, said Dato'Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the Malaysian government company managing the project.
"It is a national transformation project for Malaysia and a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative for China," he said.
CRRC Dalian has seen robust growth in its international operations in recent years, with its products exported to more than 33 countries and regions, including Laos, Thailand, and Kazakhstan.
According to Bo Ke, general manager of the company's international business department, international revenue has nearly tripled since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), with profitability significantly improving and the total cumulative contract value increasing by 3.5 times. - China Daily/ANN
