Kuala lumpur: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached 88.08 percent overall progress with the completion of the C1B Segment, marking a crucial milestone in the initial phase of civil works from Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the construction of the C1B Segment began in September 2022. This segment covers a technically vital stretch between the Genting Tunnel exit and the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station. It includes the Gombak Tunnel, along with two key bridges and subgrade works that facilitate the connection between the East and West Coast segments of the ECRL alignment.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak stated that with this completion, progress in Selangor has reached approximately 77 percent. He emphasized that this milestone is not just about completing a section of track, but fulfilling a national goal to connect people, economies, and opportunities between the East Coast and the Klang Valley. Every milestone brings the project closer to realizing the full 665-kilometer ECRL network, which is expected to transform logistics, connectivity, and sustainable growth.
Darwis further noted that the ECRL should serve as more than a transportation project; it should act as a catalyst for sustainable development. By integrating environmental, social, and governance principles, the railway aims to contribute to low-carbon mobility and green construction practices, promoting inclusive economic participation. The ECRL is set to create new cross-corridors, stimulate investment, and strengthen national unity, aligning with Malaysia MADANI's vision and shared prosperity.
Meanwhile, Deng Bo, managing director of China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL), remarked that completing the C1B Segment is a significant civil work milestone along the Selangor alignment. The segment's location posed complex construction challenges due to geological conditions and limited space. CCCECRL worked closely with local authorities, implementing traffic management measures and coordinating on-site activities to ensure safe and efficient progress.
Deng highlighted that CCCECRL, as the EPCC contractor, adopted innovative engineering solutions like structural simulation analysis, modular prefabrication, and digital precision measurements. These methods facilitated efficient construction in a densely populated area and demonstrated CCCECRL's commitment to technical excellence and safety.
The completion of the C1B Segment also sets a solid foundation for the next construction phases, including track laying, system installation in Selangor, and testing and commissioning for the entire alignment. It marks a pivotal step for the ECRL project towards achieving full connectivity and completing the first construction phase by the end of 2026.