ECRL project hits major milestone
Breakthrough of Genting Tunnel sets regional railway record
BENTONG: Malaysia's major infrastructure project, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), has reached a significant milestone with the breakthrough of the 16.39km Genting Tunnel – a new regional record.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Genting Tunnel is set to become the longest railway tunnel in South-East Asia upon its completion.
'It will certainly complement international trade by boosting export-oriented industries and making Malaysia more attractive to businesses,' he said at the breakthrough ceremony yesterday.
'Its last-mile connectivity between Kuantan Port and Port Klang will bring the east and west coasts closer together and ease the transfer of goods along the ECRL network.'
Loke said the tunnel breakthrough symbolises not only a major engineering achievement but also the fruitful collaboration between Malaysia and China.
This milestone, he added, also reflects the strong cooperation among ECRL personnel at all levels, particularly in managing excavation works across the 41 tunnels along the rail alignment.
'The ECRL is also touted as a game changer for the movement of passengers and freight in Peninsular Malaysia. It will link state capitals, key urban centres, industrial hubs, seaports, airports, and tourism zones while integrating with existing railway lines along its corridor,' he said.
The Genting Tunnel has also been officially recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records for two achievements: being the longest railway tunnel and having the highest overburden.
Speaking at a press conference later, Loke noted that the tunnels were designed with environmental considerations in mind, especially in traversing the Titiwangsa mountain range.
'The tunnels also reduce the need for cutting down trees,' he said.
Loke also praised the strong partnership with China, stating that the project's deliverability had been clearly demonstrated.
On plans to extend the ECRL to the Malaysian-Thai border, Loke said the proposal is under consideration.
'The distance from Kota Baru station to the border is about 32km. We are looking into the plan, but it is still at the study and proposal stage at the ministerial level,' he said, adding that the proposal may be tabled for Cabinet approval next year.
The estimated cost of the extension is around RM2bil.
The ECRL project, with a total estimated cost of RM50.27bil, spans 665km and will feature 20 stations across Peninsular Malaysia.
The first phase, stretching from Kota Baru, Kelantan, to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor, is expected to be completed by December 2026 with operations slated to begin in January 2027.
Phase Two, connecting Gombak to Port Klang, is scheduled for completion by December 2027 and is expected to be fully operational by January 2028.
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