When can we take the train from Kota Bharu to Gombak at ETS speed? Not too distant future!

When can we take the train from Kota Bharu to Gombak at ETS speed? Not too distant future!

Connectivity enhances productivity and economic activities. More economic activities would mean more money lah. Perhaps this can also be a catalyst for properties along the train stations. So, would ECRL be positive for the property market then? Let’s take a look at ETS first.

Every friend who has ever taken ETS thus far loves it. It’s quiet, stable and the seats are way bigger than the typical airline seats. People say that the speed is not bullet train… People also say flying is faster. Well… traveling from KL to Ipoh via ETS is definitely FASTER than driving from KL to the airport and taking the flight yeah.

This is true even if it’s ETC from Ipoh to Butterworth. The flight time including driving and the flight itself plus queuing to exit the plane to grab luggage etc could have easily taken close to 3 hours in total. Meanwhile ETS is merely 1 hour and 40 minutes. Just arrive maybe 15 minutes earlier to catch the train yeah. Coming back to the possibility of taking the ‘ETS’ from Kota Bharu, Kelantan all the way to Gombak, Selangor. Read more.

Article in paultan.org. Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak shared that the ECRL has reached 81.07 percent progress rate. He said, “The work progress of the 43 km alignment in Kelantan has achieved 88.86%, contributing significantly to the progress of the overall project. The testing and commissioning process is expected to begin in June 2026. Track laying works have also shown positive developments, with significant progress achieved in Kelantan, Terengganu and parts of Pahang involving the 400 km alignment from Tunjong, Kota Baru, to Maran in Pahang,” Darwis said. Article in paultan.org.

How quick is the trip?

We assume the speed will be 140km per hour even if the top speed is said to be 160km per hour. This is similar to how ETS operates too. Total length if 665km, thus if we take the train and assume it does not stop too long in all the stations, the total journey should take around 5 hours. Pretty impressive yeah. As per google map, this is how long it will take if we were to drive today. Based on a direct journey and existing road yeah.

As we can see, when the time comes, it will be a way better option to take the train versus driving. Even if the train takes the same time, it also meant that we arrive at the destination fully rested versus the driver being so tired and all the other passengers feeling uncomfortable since they cannot stand up and walk around like they could if they took the train.

Happy waiting to take it some day. Me too!

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