PLN Group Completes Key ECRL Electrification Milestones in Malaysia Ahead of Schedule

PLN Group has achieved significant progress in the electrification of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), with its subholding PT PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) and subsidiary PT PLN Nusantara Power Construction (PLN NPC) completing two critical feeder stations ahead of schedule.

The two facilities—Feeder Station (FS) 01 in Tunjung, Kelantan, and FS 09 in Jambu Rias, Pahang—were completed earlier than planned. FS 01 was finished 15 days ahead of schedule, while FS 09 recorded an even greater acceleration, reaching completion one month earlier than the original target. The progress received appreciation from Tenaga Switchgear (TSG), the project’s delivery partner, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the national electricity utility and network owner.

According to Azreen Bin Othman, Head of the Project Management Office at TNB, the successful completion of the electrical connection from the Pencawang Masuk Utama (Main Substation) in Tunjung to FS 01 and FS 09 represents a critical milestone in the ECRL electrification system.

He noted that the ahead-of-schedule completion reflects strong commitment from PLN in ensuring rapid project delivery while maintaining quality standards.

The 665-kilometer double-track railway project will connect Port Klang in Selangor to Kota Bharu in Kelantan, enabling fully electric operations for both passenger and cargo transport. Once operational in 2027, the railway is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to one million tonnes of CO₂ annually, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s low-carbon transportation ambitions.

PLN’s participation in the project highlights Indonesia’s growing role in supporting sustainable infrastructure development across Southeast Asia.

Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PLN (Persero), stated that the achievement reflects the company’s global transformation and international expansion strategy. He emphasized that PLN’s technical expertise and experience in the electricity sector position the group to execute projects that meet international standards.

Within the project structure, the PLN Group is part of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) consortium responsible for electrification works. PLN NP is tasked with procuring main equipment, while PLN NPC manages the procurement of supporting equipment along with construction and commissioning activities.

Technically, the PLN Group is responsible for four of the 10 feeder stations planned under the ECRL electrification system—FS1, FS2, FS9, and FS10. Work on the project commenced in June 2024 and is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Ruly Firmansyah, President Director of PLN Nusantara Power, said the accelerated completion demonstrates the capability of Indonesian companies to compete and deliver in strategic international infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, Djarot Hutabri, President Director of PLN Nusantara Power Construction, highlighted that the company’s more than two decades of experience in power generation and transmission projects has been instrumental in delivering the ECRL electrification works.

The scope of PLN NPC’s responsibilities includes the design and construction of a 132 kV switching station, installation of overhead transmission lines (OHL) and underground cables spanning approximately three kilometers, along with supporting infrastructure to ensure timely completion of the project.

Djarot added that recognition from TSG and TNB demonstrates PLN NPC’s ability to deliver reliable, high-quality electricity infrastructure services that meet global standards while strengthening partnerships with strategic international stakeholders.