{"data":{"news":{"items":[{"title":"1","date":"2025-07-25 00:01:24","id":5938,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2025/07/1753333016776_WCD00485-scaled.jpeg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached another milestone with the recent breakthrough of the Genting Tunnel.

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According to China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor for the project, the Genting Tunnel poses unique engineering challenges, demanding specialised expertise and advanced technology to navigate its complex geological conditions.

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Spanning 16.39 km, it is the longest tunnel along the entire ECRL alignment, shared CCCC. Constructed through the rugged Titiwangsa mountain range, the tunnel traverses complex and varied geological conditions, presenting extraordinary engineering challenges.

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To overcome these, the project deployed an advanced tunnel boring machine (TBM), one of the largest ever used in Malaysia, said CCCC. The TBM, custom-designed for the tunnel’s demanding conditions, allowed for safe and precise excavation while minimising environmental impact.

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This latest breakthrough signifies not only progress on the ECRL project but also the successful collaboration and unwavering dedication essential for completing such a challenging infrastructural endeavour, affirmed CCCC.

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Image: China Communications Construction Co Ltd

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The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project’s 959-m Gombak Tunnel recently broke through, one month ahead of schedule, becoming the 36th ECRL tunnel to successfully complete the excavation process to date.

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The final blast at the Gombak Tunnel punched through the last barrier some 38 m from the tunnel’s entrance portal. This achievement is a culmination of approximately 5,813,560 man-hours and the adoption of the drill-and-blast method of tunnelling that bored through primarily weathered granite.

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The permanent lining for the Gombak Tunnel has progressed to 892 m prior to the breakthrough ceremony on 29 October 2024. The tunnel has an average height of 12 m and width of 13 m, thus providing the space for two standard gauge railway tracks upon completion.

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The excavation work for Gombak Tunnel commenced in June 2023, with the breakthrough originally scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024. All related civil works for the tunnel are expected to be fully completed by March 2025.

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The construction of the tunnel will enable the ECRL railway track to comply with its maximum gradient of 0.9% as well as avoid major open forest cutting at the Batu 11 Gombak area.

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The ECRL project features the construction of 41 tunnels with a total length of about 69 km along its rail alignment, of which 21 tunnels are located within Section A (Kota Bharu-Dungun) and Section B (Dungun-Mentakab), while the remaining 20 tunnels are situated in Section C (Mentakab-Port Klang).

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Of the 20 ECRL tunnels in Section C, a total of nine tunnels are located within Selangor. These include the 3.50-km Serendah 1 Tunnel and 9.85-km Serendah 2 Tunnel which are both under excavation.

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“The ECRL Gombak Tunnel breakthrough marks another milestone in the project’s progress as it is an integral component for the completion of the ECRL alignment from Kota Bharu, Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, Selangor by December 2026,” said Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), the ECRL project owner.

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“We are optimistic to commence ECRL operations from January 2027 onwards to align with the aspirations of the people and the business communities by providing seamless transportation for passengers and freight respectively.”

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MRL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) [MOF (Inc.)], is the project owner of the ECRL while China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) is the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor. The 665-km ECRL will traverse the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang before linking with Selangor on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

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Image: China Communications Construction Co Ltd

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Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of IJM Corporation Berhad, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, a member of MMC Group, and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) land bridge connecting Kuantan Port to Port Klang.

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The MOU outlines a comprehensive collaboration among all parties across several key areas. This includes the development of a strategic plan for establishing a land bridge connecting rail and port operations, which will facilitate efficient cargo movement between the two ports leveraging on the ECRL and reducing transit times. This partnership will also capitalise on the trade opportunities derived from the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Halal Silk Route to bolster trade and investment links throughout Asia.

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Another area of collaboration is in human capital development, which will be carried out through the exchange of technical expertise to address industry challenges and advance operational capabilities. Northport’s NICE (Northport International Centre of Excellence), a training centre accredited by Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), will be utilised to provide comprehensive training programmes, enhancing skills and competencies across both ports.

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According to MRL CEO, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, MRL together with Kuantan Port and Northport will develop a comprehensive plan involving infrastructure requirements, operational procedures and timelines that will optimise the usage of the ECRL land bridge. This includes coordinating efforts between the parties to ensure a smooth integration of rail and port operations as well as cargo movement between Kuantan Port and Northport.

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ECRL, administered and implemented by MRL, is a 665-km electrified railway link infrastructure project that connects Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, bridging the East Coast and West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This project aims to link state capitals, major urban centres, industrial hubs, ports, airports and tourism zones while interchanging with existing railway lines in Peninsular Malaysia.

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The project, which is scheduled for full completion in December 2027, is designed to enhance transportation connectivity, facilitate economic development, and promote trade and tourism along the East Coast region. Primarily a cargo route, the ECRL focuses on optimising rail use with 70% capacity for freight and 30% for passengers, emphasising industrial parks, logistics hubs and transit-oriented developments.

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Work on the Gombak Integrated Terminal station for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia has recently begun. The station is located on an 8.73-ha site, which is positioned at the edge of the ‘Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge,’ believed to be the longest quartz formation in the world.

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Built for passenger use, the ECRL Gombak Integrated Terminal station will feature an elevated platform as well as various facilities such as carpark, pick-up and drop-off areas, covered walkways, staff quarters, and garden-landscaped areas. It is also expected to link with the existing Gombak LRT station to facilitate connectivity via the LRT Kelana Jaya Line.

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The groundbreaking ceremony of the station paves the way for the scheduled completion of the ECRL rail alignment from Kota Bharu, Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, Selangor in December 2026. The alignment between Gombak and Port Klang is expected to be completed by December 2027 instead. [Scroll down to watch the video of the ECRL site progress].

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According to Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the construction of the RM50.27 billion ECRL network that traverses the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor has achieved a progress of 67.09% as of May 2024. The implementation of this ECRL project is supervised by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT).

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“The ECRL will optimise connectivity for passengers and freight between the east coast and west coast of Peninsular Malaysia when operational. We anticipate the ECRL to drive the shift of cargo movements from road to rail, which is a safe alternative mode of transportation for long distances as well as environmentally friendly and cost-effective,” said Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia.

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“MOT is also exploring the possibility of extending the ECRL alignment to tap into Thailand’s rail network, paving the way for the ECRL to be part of the Pan-Asian rail network that is able to link Malaysia with China, hence realising the vision of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).”

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“The ECRL will promote greener modes in passenger travel and freight transportation along its electrified rail network that links cities, towns, ports and industrial parks,” added Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, chairman of MRL. “The ECRL will also be equipped with 4G LTE-Railway communications network to facilitate fast communications and efficient signalling system as well as stable multimedia services.”

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The 665-km ECRL that starts from Kota Bharu and terminates at Port Klang will feature 20 stations, comprising 10-passenger only stations and another 10 stations combining passenger and freight. The ECRL passenger train will cut travel time and expected to link Kota Bharu with Gombak in four hours as compared to some seven hours via road transportation.

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MRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), is the project owner of the ECRL while CCCC is the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor for the project.

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The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia recently marked another milestone with a breakthrough at the 1.32-km Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel. This also signals the completion of tunnel excavations for Sections A and B of the project’s alignment, with a ceremony held on 25 August 2023.

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Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) explained that the final excavation at the Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel punched through the last barrier about 126 m from the tunnel’s entrance portal. This achievement is a culmination of approximately 27,980 man-hours and the adoption of the drill-and-blast method that bored through primarily weathered sandstone.

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The single bore Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel has an average height of 13.47 m and width of 13.02 m, which is adequate to accommodate two standard gauge railway tracks, said MRL. The tunnel’s permanent lining has also reached a length exceeding 1,113 m prior to the breakthrough.

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The excavation works for the Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel commenced in January 2020, with a breakthrough planned for August 2023. The construction of the tunnel will enable the ECRL railway track to comply with its maximum gradient of 0.74% as well as avoid major open forest cutting in the area.

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Among the 25 ECRL tunnels that have made their breakthrough so far, 21 of them are located within the project’s alignment in Section A (Kota Bharu-Dungun) and Section B (Dungun-Mentakab) while four are in Section C (Mentakab-Port Klang).

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The ECRL project celebrated its first tunnel breakthrough at the 1.1-km Paka Tunnel in Terengganu six months ahead of schedule back in April 2021. The ECRL final design for construction features 40 tunnels totalling approximately 69 km in length along its rail alignment from Kota Bharu to Port Klang. [Scroll down to watch a video of the ECRL site progress].

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MRL chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, said, “We wish to commend the commitment and teamwork of the ECRL workforce at Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel, which saw 167,830 cu m of soil and rock excavated safely and with minimal ground movement throughout. The achievement will also enable the civil works for this tunnel to be fully completed by April 2024.”

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He mentioned that the ECRL project is also pleased with the completion of critical works involving installation of long-span bridges (108 m each) at five locations in Sections A and B as well as successful tunnel excavation works in Sections A and B, adding that the installation of ECRL tracks will be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2023 beginning with the rail alignment from Gebeng to Dungun.

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According to MRL, the ECRL project has reached an overall completion rate of 48.77% [as of 25 Aug 2023], paving the way for completion of the rail infrastructure from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal in December 2026. The project’s full completion which involves rail extension from Gombak to Port Klang is scheduled for December 2027.

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China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) managing director, Kong Qi, commented, “Today’s tunnel breakthrough marks another significant milestone in our quest to construct the 40-tunnel ECRL. It is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise, pushing the boundaries of construction technology. While we forge connections that bridge communities and propel progress, we thank MRL, our vendors, subcontractors, local government agencies, local communities and our teams along the alignment for their contribution and support.\"

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MRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) [MOF (Inc.)], is the project and asset owner of the ECRL while CCC-ECRL is the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor. The 665-km ECRL will traverse the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang before linking the Klang Valley on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

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Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project recently marked another major milestone with a tunnel breakthrough at the 871 m single-bore Terowong Dungun in Terengganu, six months ahead of schedule, announced Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL).

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The final blast at Terowong Dungun on 29 May 2021 broke through the last barrier some 12 m from the tunnel’s entrance portal. “This achievement is a culmination of approximately 641,520 man-hours and the adoption of the drill-and-blast method of tunnelling that bored through the moderately weathered schist rock,” stated MRL.

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The company said tunnel excavation work for Terowong Dungun had progressed to 97.4% prior to the breakthrough, while its permanent lining had rose to a decent length of 702 m. With a tunnel height of 11.8 m and width of 12.9 m, Terowong Dungun was constructed to avoid major open cutting and to preserve forest reserve when travelling across the Kuala Dungun area.

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The tunnel breakthrough at Terowong Dungun had taken place less than two months from the inaugural ECRL tunnel breakthrough at the 1.1-km Terowong Paka on 9 April 2021. Upon completion of the project, the state of Terengganu will feature five ECRL tunnels. Terowong Dungun was also the event site for the ECRL project’s relaunch ceremony on 25 July 2019.

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Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, chairman of MRL, said the dedication and teamwork of some 100 ECRL personnel at all levels had paved the way for the tunnelling work and breakthrough at Terowong Dungun to be ahead of schedule, noting that the overall infrastructure work for the tunnel is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2022.

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“The ECRL team including engineers, planners, and construction workers at Terowong Dungun ought to be congratulated as the tunnelling work which excavated some 98,111 cu m of soil and rock have been completed safely and with minimal ground movement,” he said, adding that Terowong Dungun is expected to be completed months ahead of schedule barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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Tan Sri Mohd Zuki further explained that the ECRL project has 58 tunnels encompassing different lengths and landscape to be constructed along various sections of its 665-km rail alignment, and he anticipates that the strong collaboration and knowledge sharing between MRL and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) can smoothen tunnel excavation and deliver such engineering feat as per schedule or even earlier.

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“We are pleased that the ECRL project is still progressing slightly ahead of schedule at 22.62% as of May 2021, despite the Covid-19 pandemic which effectively reduces work hours and manpower at project sites,” he said.

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MRL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc), is the project and asset owner of the ECRL while CCC-ECRL is the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor.

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“Our team had made tremendous efforts to coordinate with our local contractors and Bumiputra project partners to ensure resources such as manpower, materials and machines are available where we need them,” said Bai Yinzhan, managing director of CCC-ECRL. “We are grateful for the support and understanding given by our subcontractors. Special thanks also go to our team in Section 4 for achieving two remarkable milestones within the short span of two months.”

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Scheduled for completion by December 2026, the 665-km ECRL will traverse the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang before linking the Klang Valley on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The ECRL will significantly cut travel time and connect Kota Bharu with ITT Gombak in approximately four hours.

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Photo: CCC-ECRL

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