ECRL Phase 1 completed, on track for Dec 12 launch

In Malaysia, China Communications Construction (CCCECRL) has finalized and transferred Phase 1 of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to the project owner, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL). This significant milestone precedes the railway’s planned commercial launch on December 12. Spanning 523km from Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Gombak in Selangor, Phase 1 comprises 16 stations, integrating both passenger services and passenger-freight terminals.

MRL's CEO, Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, emphasized that the completion of the Kota Bharu-Gombak rail network will enhance connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia's east and west coasts. He added that ECRL's commercial operations will stimulate economic growth, sustainable development, investment opportunities, tourism, job creation, and the establishment of new logistics hubs and industrial parks in the East Coast states.

CCCECRL's Phase 1 network features 41 tunnels and 218 viaducts, totaling 154km, with the notable 16.39km Genting Tunnel. The firm's managing director, Deng Bo, highlighted that the handover denotes a major step towards a fully integrated rail link across the peninsula. CCCECRL is now concentrating on Phase 2, extending the rail line from Gombak to Port Klang.

Upon completion of the entire 665km ECRL corridor, the railway is expected to create a direct landbridge between Kuantan Port and Port Klang, supporting logistics, industrial development, and freight transport throughout Peninsular Malaysia.