ECRL Hits 88% Milestone as Selangor’s C1B Segment Reaches Completion

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has officially surpassed the 88% completion mark with the successful delivery of the C1B Segment, a key milestone that finalizes the first phase of civil works connecting Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal.

Construction of the C1B Segment began in September 2022, covering the technically demanding section from the Genting Tunnel exit to the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station. The segment includes the Gombak Tunnel itself, two major bridges, and critical subgrade works — forming a vital link between Malaysia’s East Coast and the Klang Valley.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said that the completion of this segment represents not just a construction milestone, but also progress toward national connectivity and economic transformation.

“This achievement brings Selangor’s overall ECRL progress to around 77%. It’s more than just a section of railway — it’s a national vision to connect communities, drive logistics efficiency, and open new corridors of growth,” he said during the completion ceremony on Tuesday.

Darwis added that MRL views the ECRL as a catalyst for sustainable progress, incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles to ensure low-carbon mobility and green construction practices.

“By linking rural regions to major urban hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Jalil, and Puchong, the ECRL will unlock new investment zones, support inclusive participation, and strengthen national unity in line with Malaysia Madani’s vision,” he said.

Meanwhile, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) managing director Deng Bo highlighted the engineering challenges of the Selangor section — particularly the C1B stretch, which passes through dense urban zones with limited construction space and complex geology.

“Building near major highways and transport hubs required meticulous coordination and strong collaboration with local authorities. By implementing modular prefabrication, digital precision measurements, and advanced simulation analyses, we maintained high safety and quality standards throughout,” Deng explained.

With the C1B Segment now completed, the project is poised to move into the next critical phases — including track installation, system integration, and testing in Selangor. These works are expected to pave the way for full connectivity by the end of 2026.

This milestone not only reinforces Malaysia’s infrastructure advancement but also signals new opportunities for industrial land in Selangor, office space in Bukit Jalil, factories in Puchong, and commercial properties across the KL and Subang areas — as improved rail access enhances mobility, logistics, and business growth across the state.