SHAH ALAM, Nov 5 — The first phase of civil works for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, covering the stretch from Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, has been completed.
The milestone was achieved with the completion of the C1B segment, which spans the Genting Tunnel exit and the Gombak Integrated Terminal, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) announced today.
The segment, whose construction commenced in September 2022, includes the Gombak Tunnel as well as two major bridges and associated subgrade works that form a crucial link between the east and west coast portions of the ECRL project.
“The completion of this civil works milestone lays a solid foundation for the next phases of construction, including track laying and system installation in Selangor and testing and commissioning for the entire alignment.
“This marks a significant step for the ECRL project toward achieving full connectivity and successfully completing the first phase of construction works by the end of 2026,” CCCECRL said in a statement.
CCCECRL is the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contractor for the project.
Its managing director Deng Bo said that as of October, the project is 88.08 per cent done.
The completion of the C1B segment, he said, marks an important milestone for the Selangor alignment, as it involves one of the project’s most complex construction environments due to challenging geological conditions and limited working space.
“The segment’s location near a major transport hub and its crossing over key highways further adds to the engineering and logistical challenges, making this achievement especially significant,” said Deng.
According to CCC-ECRL, the construction of the C1B segment was done in close collaboration with local authorities, with careful traffic management planning, coordinated on-site activities, and the adoption of innovative engineering solutions to ensure safety and quality.
In July, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said ECRL stations in Selangor are set to drive local economic growth beyond just serving as transit points.
The 665km ECRL connects Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, with 20 stations along the line.
It is set to significantly cut travel time, with the journey from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal expected to take just four hours compared with about seven hours by road.
