Construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached a progress milestone of 48.77%, according to Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. The project is in line with its development from Kota Bharu in Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor, aiming for completion in December 2026 and an operational launch in January 2027.
Mohd Zuki Ali emphasized that the impressive rate of progress wasn’t solely focused on infrastructure construction, but also on the engagement of local companies in the ECRL’s implementation. About 2,700 local companies, including contractors, consultants, and suppliers, have been involved in the project since 2017, contributing significantly to its development. The contract value associated with local companies’ participation has exceeded the RM10.8 billion target, reaching approximately RM12 billion.
The ECRL project actively involves Bumiputera contractors, with RM2.3 billion or 66% of the RM3.5 billion target for ECRL civil works attributed to their participation. Construction is underway at more than 1,600 work sites along the line, employing over 21,000 workers.
Furthermore, the ECRL project includes the construction of tunnels and bridges, with a key tunnel in Kampung Gedung Siam 3 currently being built to meet specific requirements. Dredging works for 25 of the 40 tunnels have been executed so far, along with the installation of long-span bridges in various locations. The ECRL project envisions a new railway line spanning approximately 665 kilometres, connecting the east coast of Kota Bharu in Kelantan to the west coast’s Klang Valley.
