KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has achieved 88.08 per cent overall progress following the completion of the C1B Segment, which marks the successful completion of the initial phase of civil works along the alignment from Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal.
Construction of the C1B Segment began in September 2022, covering a technically significant stretch between the Genting Tunnel exit and the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station.
It encompasses the Gombak Tunnel, including two key bridges and subgrade works that play an important role in connecting the East and West Coast segments of the ECRL alignment.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said that with the completion of the C1B Segment, progress in Selangor stands at approximately 77 per cent.
“Today’s milestone is not merely about completing a section of track, it is about fulfilling a national aspiration to connect people, economies and opportunities between the East Coast and the Klang Valley.
“Every milestone we achieve here brings us one step closer to realising the full 665-kilometre ECRL network, a game changer for logistic, connectivity and sustainable growth,” he said in his speech at the Completion of C1B Segment ceremony here today.
He said that MRL, the project and asset owner of ECRL, believes the ECRL must be more than a transportation project, it must be a catalyst for sustainable development.
“Through the integration of environmental, social and governance ESG principles, we are ensuring that this railway contributes to a low carbon mobility, green construction practices that will be doing an inclusive economic participation.
“By connecting rural areas with major urban centres, the ECRL will open up new cross-corridors, stimulate investment and strengthen national unity, all in line with Malaysia MADANI’s vision and shared prosperity,” he added.
Meanwhile, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) managing director Deng Bo said the completion of the C1B Segment marks another important civil work milestone along the Selangor alignment, which presented one of the most complex construction environments with challenging geological conditions and limited construction space.
“The segment’s location near a major transportation hub and crossing key highways further added to the engineering and logistical challenges. CCCECRL collaborated closely with local authorities, carefully planned traffic management measures, and coordinated all on-site activities to ensure safe and efficient progress,” he said.
He said to ensure construction safety and quality, CCCECRL, the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor for the ECRL project, has also adopted innovative engineering solutions such as refined structural simulation analysis, modular prefabrication and digital precision measurements.
“These methods allowed construction to be carried out efficiently in a dense and challenging area, while demonstrating CCCECRL’s commitment to technical excellence and safe operations,” he said.
The completion of the C1B Segment also lays a solid foundation for the next phases of construction, including track laying and system installation in Selangor as well as testing and commissioning for the entire alignment.
It 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. — Bernama
