The First Batch of Chinese-Made EMUs and Electric Locomotives for Export to Malaysia Rolled Off the Production Line in Dalian

On the 18th, the first batch of EMUs and electric locomotives tailor-made by CRRC Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co., Ltd. (CRRC Dalian) for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link project officially rolled off the production line in Dalian, Liaoning Province.

As the largest economic and trade cooperation project between China and Malaysia to date, the Malaysia East Coast Rail Link project is a key infrastructure connecting several major cities in Malaysia. The project is contracted by China Communications Construction Company Limited, with a total length of 640 kilometers and is expected to be operational in early 2027. In August 2022, CRRC Dalian signed a contract with CCCC for 11 sets of 160 km/h EMUs and 12 HXD3C electric locomotives for the project, with vehicle production commencing on April 15th this year.

According to Ding Yiheng, electrical designer of the Locomotive Development Department of CRRC Dalian, the EMUs rolled off the line adopt China’s domestically advanced Fuxing intelligent train control technology, with "intelligentization, high-end upgrading, and lightweight design" as the core design concepts. The EMUs are equipped with a train network control system featuring dual redundancy protection, capable of real-time monitoring of the operational status of key systems such as traction, high voltage, and auxiliary systems; the entire railcar achieves a lightweight design through structural optimization, which reduces energy consumption while improving operational efficiency, fully reflecting the concept of green manufacturing.

At the same time, in view of the local climatic conditions of high temperature, high humidity, and frequent thunderstorms, the EMUs have enhanced corrosion resistance and sealing of externally exposed parts, and also optimized the entire train’s lightning protection system design.

The electric locomotives rolled off the line simultaneously feature strong starting traction, a wide-range constant power output, and excellent adhesion performance. These locomotives are equipped with intelligent human-machine interaction and safety protection systems, allowing millisecond-level monitoring of key aspects such as braking, fire prevention, and high-voltage insulation, building a comprehensive operational safety protection system.

Datuk Seri Darwis, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), said at the ceremony that the Malaysia East Coast Rail Link project is about to be completed and will become a model of regional cooperation.

He said: “The roll-off event marks not only the progress of the project but also the deepening of our partnership.”

It is reported that the first batch of EMUs and electric locomotives will be delivered to Malaysia by the end of this year, while the remaining 9 EMU sets and 10 locomotives are expected to be delivered consecutively starting from the second quarter of 2026.