ECRL construction 42% complete, developer proceeds with Genting tunnel: Loke

KUALA LUMPUR – Development for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is currently 42.06% complete, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

During a speech while visiting the Genting ECRL Tunnel construction site today, Loke mentioned that the rail line’s construction progress is in line with plans to complete works by December 2026.

However, the Seremban MP also highlighted that currently, the ECRL project faces a tough challenge with the completion of the Genting ECRL tunnel, which is a twin tunnel spanning 16.39km in length to connect Bukit Tinggi, Pahang with Gombak, Selangor.

The construction of the tunnel, Loke said, will involve the use of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) as opposed to the drilling and explosives used to build other ECRL tunnels.

“I am confident with the management and workforce for the ECRL project to complete the project using two TBMs which were made in China.

“These highly technological machines will be able to face engineering challenges and geological conditions when the construction crosses the Titiwangsa Range,” Loke said.

So far, construction for the first tunnel in Genting has begun, while approval for using the TBM for the second tunnel was obtained in November.

“Boring works for the first Genting ECRL Tunnel have already reached a depth of 2.602km while the second reached 2.497km.

“For your information, the construction site for the Genting ECRL Tunnel spans an area of 11.6ha wide and comprises more than 300 workers.

“It is our hope that by January 2027, the ECRL will be fully operational and would save travel times from Kota Baru to Gombak by three hours,” Loke added. – The Vibes, April 11, 2023