A big milestone in the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) happened over the weekend with the breakthrough of the 16.39 km Genting Tunnel according to schedule. It’s the longest rail tunnel in ASEAN and also the highest overburden railway in Malaysia.

Transport minister Anthony Loke said the tunnel, which cuts through the Titiwangsa Range, was among the most challenging structures in terms of engineering out of the 41 tunnels along the ECRL route. “Tunneling work required more than two years to completely dig the tunnel,” he said on Saturday, adding that a hybrid method combining the tunnel boring machine as well as drilling and explosives was used.

“With the progress reaching 84.59% as of June, the transport ministry is confident that the Malaysian Rail Link is on the right track and operational by January 2027,” he said.

“This engineering marvel stands as the most geologically complex and technically demanding tunnel along the entire alignment. This is more than just a tunnel, it is a proud milestone in Malaysia’s railway legacy!” said China Communications Construction ECRL in a post celebrating the achievement.

With this big hurdle crossed, the ECRL project enters into the next phase, which will see the installation of tracks, electrical systems, signals, communications and internal equipment for stations.

The first two electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets and two electric locomotives are expected to be shipped by CRRC Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock from Dalian, China to Malaysia in October. They’ll have to watch out for cable thieves, though.

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