The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has reached a significant milestone as track installation works between Kuantan Port City (KPC) in Gebeng and Dungun, Terengganu have been completed ahead of schedule.
According to NST, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak announced that phase one, covering a 92km stretch, was installed using the CCPG-500A track laying machine, achieving an impressive average rate of between 1.5km and 2km per day.
This cutting-edge machine, deployed for the first time in Malaysia’s rail industry, played a pivotal role in accelerating the track-laying process. The completion of track laying works between KPC and Dungun signifies a significant leap forward in the ECRL project’s progress, marking a critical step toward its ultimate completion.
Following the successful track installation, subsequent processes including track tamping and ballasting works were carried out, further solidifying the infrastructure’s integrity. These essential procedures were efficiently completed from KPC to Gebeng, demonstrating the project’s adherence to strict timelines and quality standards.
The ECRL project has now entered its second phase, focusing on a 90km main stretch between KPC and the neighbouring district of Maran since March 9. This phase signifies another crucial step forward in advancing the construction of this mega-rail project.
The ECRL, stretching over 665km and built with a budget of RM50.27 billion, will connect the east coast states of Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu to the Klang Valley. Once operational, passenger trains will run at speeds of up to 160km per hour, while freight trains will operate at 80km per hour, enhancing connectivity and transportation efficiency across the region.
The overall progress of the ECRL project, spanning Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, has reached 62.4% completion as of last month. With a target of achieving between 75 and 76 per cent progress by the end of this year, the project remains on track to meet its ambitious objectives.
In Pahang, where significant construction works are underway, progress has reached 58% completion as of February this year. Works include tunnel construction, flyover beam installation, station building, and track laying, contributing to the seamless integration of this vital rail network into the region’s transportation infrastructure.
The recent milestone of achieving three tunnel breakthroughs in a single day within the Bentong district on March 11 underscores the project’s steady progress. With 30 tunnels now completed along its rail alignment, the ECRL project continues to forge ahead, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and economic development along Malaysia’s east coast.
