KUANTAN – The progress of Section B of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), from Dungun in Terengganu to Pahang’s Mentakab, has surpassed its 5.11% target, hitting 7.03% last month.
Pahang Works, Transportation and Health Committee chairman Datuk Seri Norolazali Sulaiman told Bernama today that the achievement is underpinned by rapid construction works at 94 priority locations, 58 of them being in Pahang and the rest in Terengganu.
“The primary focus of the construction works taking place along Section B’s 223km main line includes earthworks, and prefabricated vertical drain, culvert, tunnelling and bridge works.
“Excavation works for the 2.86km Kuantan Tunnel, which is part of Section B, have covered 950m, or 33.5% of the total length, to date.”
Norolazali visited the Kuantan Tunnel site on Tuesday.
He said the Pahang government is pleased with the progress of the ECRL project, and believes it will help boost investments, commercial activities, job opportunities and tourism upon completion.
He said construction is proceeding smoothly under strict standard operating procedures set by the Health, and International Trade and Industry Ministries, among others, during the movement control order, which is in effect in Pahang from today until February 4.
He said workers with Covid-19 symptoms will be asked to immediately leave the construction site and undergo swab tests.
“In line with the recommendations by the authorities, the workforce has been divided into groups. This practice will ensure the project continues even if one group is required to undergo quarantine.”
He added that flood-prone areas along the ECRL alignment have been identified, and designers took into consideration the “100-year flood” level.
“Generally, all flood-prone areas where the ECRL is expected to traverse are designed to have viaducts to facilitate smooth water flow, especially during the monsoon season, to reduce the risk of service disruptions due to heavy rains or floods.” – Bernama, January 22, 2021
