Latest news with #EastCoastRailLine
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
ECRL completes boring of 16km Genting Tunnel on schedule
BENTONG: The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project has reached a major milestone with the successful completion of tunnelling works for the 16.39 kilometre Genting Tunnel on schedule. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the tunnel, which cuts through the Titiwangsa Range, was among the most challenging engineering feats of the 41 tunnels along the ECRL route. "Tunnelling work took more than two years to complete," he said at a press conference after the Genting ECRL Tunnel breakthrough ceremony here today. Loke said a hybrid method involving the use of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), along with drilling and explosives, was employed for the excavation. He also said the Transport Ministry was reviewing proposals to extend the ECRL line beyond its current terminus in Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, in a bid to improve connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand. Meanwhile, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak described the on schedule completion of the Genting Tunnel as a significant achievement. "This is because the ECRL project team had to overcome difficult geological conditions while boring through the mountainous Titiwangsa Range," he said. With tunnelling works now completed, the project moves into its next phase involving track installation, electrical systems, signalling, communications, and the fitting out of station interiors. The ECRL is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with passenger services scheduled to begin in phases from January 2027.
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ECRL project completes 16km Genting Tunnel on schedule
BENTONG: The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project achieved an important milestone after the 16.39-kilometre (km) Genting Tunnel was dug completely according to schedule. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the tunnel, located on the Titiwangsa Range, was among the most challenging structures in terms of engineering out of the 41 tunnels along the ECRL route. 'Tunneling work required more than two years to completely dig the tunnel,' he said at a media conference after the Genting ECRL tunnel breakthrough ceremony here today, adding that a hybrid method combining the tunnel boring machine as well as drilling and explosives, were used. He also said that his ministry was looking into suggestions to connect the ECRL line that ends at Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan to boost connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand. Meanwhile, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak described the on-schedule completion of boring for the Genting Tunnel as a great achievement. 'This is because the ECRL project team had to face challenging conditions while conducting boring work through the mountainous Titiwangsa Range,' he said. With the completion of tunnel boring work, the ECRL project now enters its next phase, which includes installing tracks, electrical systems, signals, communications and internal equipment for stations. The project is expected to be completed at the end of 2026 with passenger service to begin in phases from January 2027. - Bernama
