The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project has reached a pivotal milestone with the successful early penetration of the Gombak Tunnel, completed a month ahead of schedule. According to Berita Harian, the breakthrough of this 959-meter tunnel was achieved with a final blast that removed the remaining 38-meter barrier from the entrance, marking significant progress
With a combined effort of 5.8 million man-hours, the ECRL team used advanced drilling and blasting techniques to tackle the tunnel’s challenging weathered granite. Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), expressed pride in the accomplishment, attributing it to both the advanced methods and the relentless dedication of the team. He noted that the Gombak Tunnel’s completion is critical to achieving the targeted December 2026 completion date for the full ECRL route from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal.
The tunnel, which averages 12 meters in height and 13 meters in width, will eventually house a standard gauge double track. In addition to meeting the railway’s technical requirements, the tunnel’s design minimises deforestation impact in the Batu 11 Gombak area. With a gradient limited to 0.9 per cent, the ECRL aims to facilitate a smooth and efficient rail transport system.
The ECRL project is viewed as a transformative infrastructure venture for Malaysia, and this early completion of the Gombak Tunnel marks a significant step toward its realisation.