PLN completes Malaysia's rail electrification project ahead of schedule

Jakarta (ANTARA) – PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP), through its subsidiary PLN Nusantara Power Construction (PLN NPC), has completed two Feeder Station points for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia ahead of schedule. The two points are Feeder Station (FS) 01 in Tunjung, Kelantan, finished 15 days earlier than planned, and FS 09 in Jambu Rias, Pahang, completed more than a month ahead of target. PLN (Persero) President Director Darmawan Prasodjo, in a Jakarta statement on Sunday, emphasised that the success is a tangible manifestation of PLN’s transformation and global expansion. “This success becomes a strategic foundation for PLN Group to continue expanding its business internationally. With the technical competence and experience in the electricity sector we have, we are confident in delivering projects to international standards while also elevating the nation’s name on the world stage,” he said. In the ECRL project, PLN Group is part of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) consortium. PLN NP is responsible for main equipment procurement, while PLN NPC is responsible for procuring supporting equipment and executing construction work as well as commissioning. Technically, PLN Group is handling four of the total ten Feeder Stations in the ECRL project: FS1, FS2, FS9, and FS10. The project began in June 2024 and is targeted to be completed overall by June 2026. The earlier-than-target completion drew appreciation from Tenaga Switchgear (TSG) as Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) as the network owner. “Faster than the target. This is a very proud achievement. We see PLN showing strong commitment and dedication to ensuring the project is completed quickly without compromising on quality,” he said. The ECRL is a 665-kilometre double-track railway electrification project linking Port Klang in Selangor to Kota Bharu in Kelantan. The project will be fully electric for passenger and freight operations and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by up to one million tonnes of CO₂ per year when it starts operation in 2027. Azreen added that they hope such performance will continue on subsequent projects, “We are very satisfied with the results and hope this extraordinary achievement can continue for the next projects at Pencawang Seberang Jerteh and Gombak,” he added. PLN Nusantara Power (NP) Chief Executive Ruly Firmansyah noted that finishing ahead of schedule demonstrates the company’s capability in cross-border strategic projects. “Completing ahead of schedule is proof that Indonesian companies can compete and be trusted in cross-border strategic projects. This is not only a business achievement but a national pride,” he said. PLN Nusantara Power Construction Chief Executive Djarot Hutabri explained that PLN NPC has more than 20 years of experience in generation and transmission. This experience underpins the electrification of ECRL in Malaysia, ensuring PLN NPC can undertake design-and-build for the Feeder Station electrification, including the construction of a 132 kV Switching Station, installation of Overhead Transmission Line (OHL) and 3-kilometre Underground Cable, and other supporting works to ensure timely delivery and high standards. “This achievement reflects the capability, professionalism, and commitment of PLN NPC’s personnel in delivering reliable, timely, and globally standard power construction services. Appreciation from TSG and TNB is evidence that we can add value for our strategic partners,” concluded Djarot.