Top! PLN Accelerates East Coast Rail Link Electrification Project in Malaysia

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – PLN Group has again earned recognition for its performance on the global stage. Subholding PT PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP), through its subsidiary PT PLN Nusantara Power Construction (PLN NPC), has successfully completed two electrification milestones for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia ahead of schedule. The two milestones are Feeder Station (FS) 01 in Tunjung, Kelantan, completed 15 days ahead of schedule, and FS 09 in Jambu Rias, Pahang, which also recorded a significant acceleration by finishing more than a month ahead of the target. The ahead-of-schedule completion was appreciated by Tenaga Switchgear (TSG) as Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) as the network owner. Head of the TNB Project Management Office, Mr Azreen Bin Othman, expressed appreciation for the successful connection from the Main Incoming Substation (Gardu Induk) Tunjung to FS 01 and FS 09, which are crucial to the ECRL electrification system. ‘Earlier than the target set. This is a very proud achievement. We see PLN showing strong commitment and dedication to ensuring the project is completed quickly without compromising quality,’ he said, quoted on Saturday, 7 March 2026. It is known that ECRL is a double-track electrified railway project spanning 665 kilometres, connecting Port Klang in Selangor to Kota Bharu in Kelantan. The project will be fully electrified for passenger and freight operations and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by up to one million tonnes of CO2 per year when operations begin in 2027. Azreen added that they hope this performance can continue on subsequent projects. ‘We are very satisfied with the results and hope this extraordinary achievement can continue on the next projects at the Pencawang Seberang Jerteh and Gombak substations,’ he added. PLN’s success in this project also demonstrates Indonesia’s tangible contribution to supporting low-carbon transport infrastructure in Southeast Asia. PLN (Persero) President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, emphasised that this success is a concrete manifestation of PLN’s transformation and global expansion. ‘This success provides a strategic foundation for PLN Group to continue expanding its business at the international level. With the technical competence and experience in electricity engineering that we possess, we are confident of delivering projects to international standards while also honouring the nation’s name on the world stage,’ he said. In this project, PLN Group is part of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) consortium. PLN NP is responsible for procuring major equipment, while PLN NPC is responsible for procuring supporting equipment and executing the construction work as well as the commissioning. Technically, PLN Group is undertaking four of the ten Feeder Stations in the ECRL project, namely FS 1, FS 2, FS 9, and FS 10. The project began in June 2024 and is targeted for full completion in June 2026. Meanwhile, PLN Nusantara Power’s President Director, Ruly Firmansyah, said that finishing ahead of schedule demonstrates the company’s capability in cross-border strategic projects. ‘Finishing ahead of schedule is evidence that Indonesian companies can compete and be trusted in cross-border strategic projects. This is not only a business achievement but also a national pride,’ said Ruly. PLN Nusantara Power Construction’s President Director, Djarot Hutabri, explained that PLN NPC has more than 20 years of experience in generation and transmission. That experience underpins the ECRL electrification work in Malaysia. He confirmed that PLN NPC is ready to undertake design and build for the ECRL feeder station electrification, including the construction of a 132 kV Switching Station, installation of Overhead Transmission Lines (OHL) and 3 kilometres of Underground Cable, as well as other supporting works to ensure the project is completed on time and to high standards. ‘This achievement reflects the capability, professionalism, and commitment of all PLN NPC personnel in delivering reliable, timely, and globally standard electricity construction services. Appreciation from TSG and TNB is proof that we can add value for our strategic partners,’ concluded Djarot.