As of April, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, spanning the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, has reached an impressive 65% completion, announced Transport Minister Anthony Loke. In Selangor alone, the advancement has surpassed 26%, aligning perfectly with the timeline set for the ECRL line stretching from Gombak to Port Klang, expected to start operations in January 2028.
The project has seen rapid progress, with over 100km of track laid down, and daily advancements have contributed to its smooth execution. Minister Loke highlighted this efficiency during the ECRL Career Carnival, revealing details about the project’s scope in Selangor. The 120km stretch in this state is set to house five key stations: Gombak, Kapar, and Jalan Kastam as passenger-only integrated terminals, with Bandar Serendah and Puncak Alam serving passenger and cargo transit needs.
The strategic location of Serendah will serve as a pivotal hub, linking Port Klang with the East Coast and potentially transforming the area into a vital logistics centre. The ECRL route through Selangor is also expected to significantly impact the local economy, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and business sectors in Batang Kali. This development brings with it a wave of optimism for the future of these industries.
In addition to enhancing rail freight and logistics capabilities through the construction of dual gauge tracks, the ECRL is poised to improve local cargo handling significantly. Minister Loke also addressed the completion of land acquisition on the East Coast, while developers in Selangor have been granted an extension to finalise necessary arrangements.
Furthermore, the ECRL Career Carnival forms a part of the Mesra ECRL Programme, which not only facilitates open interviews but also promotes the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL). This initiative, a beacon of hope for local employment and skill development, is set to train approximately 1,800 locals during the construction phase and another 3,200 for subsequent operations and maintenance roles. It is a testament to the commitment to fostering local talent and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
