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After years of anticipation, and a few delays since construction first began back in 2017, you’ll finally be able to hop aboard the Electric Train Service (ETS) from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru via the Gemas – JB Sentral route starting Aug 2025.
Currently, the diesel-powered train journey between KL and JB takes a sluggish 7 hours. But thanks to this RM9.5 billion electrified double-tracking project, that travel time will be slashed to just 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Along the way, expect stops at these stations: Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, and JB Sentral. The trains will cruise along at speeds of up to 140km/h.
Malaysia has also received its first ETS 3 train set, and it’s designed with passenger comfort in mind. With 312 seats, onboard WiFi, USB charging ports, and generous luggage space, you’re set for a cosy journey.
This development marks the final phase of the West Coast rail electrification project, first launched in 2011 under the administration of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The government continues to prioritise this transformative project alongside the Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is scheduled to open by Jan 2027, according to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
About 3K passengers will travel between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur every day once the service is up and running.
Meanwhile, as RTS construction picks up steam, citizens should take note: the Jalan Johor Bahru–Endau road will be fully closed from 3 Jun 2025 to 31 Dec 2026. Key roads affected include Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (towards Danga Bay), Jalan Station, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam.
Drivers on Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1 can reroute via the road in front of Masjid Habib Hassan Al-Attas, make a U-turn near Danga City Mall, and then turn left onto Jalan Lingkaran Dalam.
Let’s hope there will be no more delays this time so we can all enjoy travelling without having to buy a car!
New Seletar & Tengah MRT lines could be operational from 2040s
