ECRL seen first tunnel breakthrough — report

PAKA, Terengganu (April 9): The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia’s mega rail project jointly constructed with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), saw today the first tunnel breakthrough here in Terengganu, reported Xinhua.

The breakthrough ceremony of the 1.1km single-bored Paka tunnel was attended by officials and representatives of project owner Malaysia Rail Link and CCCC.

The ECRL runs from Malaysia’s largest transport hub in Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan in north-eastern Peninsular Malaysia, which is expected to greatly enhance connectivity.

It is expected to bring more balanced growth to the country by linking its less-developed region on the East Coast to the economic heartland on the West Coast upon its completion in 2026.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said earlier this week that the construction work of the ECRL “is in full swing” and was progressing at an “encouraging” rate (21.39% as of March 2021).

The works at more than 300 locations will commence by year end, involving earthworks, bridge construction works as well as tunnel works which will drive the construction of the ECRL into its peak period, he said.