East Coast Line

Last December 2014, the Malaysian east coast experienced the worst flooding in more than 4 decades which resulted in huge damage. One of the biggest lost was for the Malaysian railway company KTMB. The line which is referred to as the East Coast line or by tourist as the Jungle Line (my post about the jungle line) is currently closed for the next 12 months at least.

Oddly the KTMB website does not have any notice in English for travelers about this closure. So if you plan to travel between Gemas and Tumpat, it's not possible at the moment.

photo by Hambali Parjan

photo by Hambali Parjan

photo by Hambali Parjan

photo by Hambali Parjan

photo by Mohd Rosdi Ariffin

The following stations were damaged or destroyed - Chegar Perah, Merapoh, Gua Musang, Limau Kasturi, Bertam Baru, Kemubu, Dabong, Bukit Abu, Manek Urai and Kuala Krai. Besides the stations, tracks and bridges were also wiped out. 


Eight locomotives, 19 passengers coaches, one buffet coach and four power generation cars were also lost in the flood waters. I have re-posted some photos taken from social media here to give you an idea of the devastation 

Photo by Inspektor Asraf

At the end of February recovery of the stranded locomotives and rolling stock began. They will be transported by road to the various workshops on the west coast for repairs.

Photo by Mohd. Hafiz Othman

More details of the repairs is not clear but I will post information when the line is reopen for the benefit of those who would like to make a trip on the the jungle line.