ECRL Genting Tunnel breakthrough – longest rail tunnel in ASEAN, cuts through Titiwangsa Range

ECRL Genting Tunnel breakthrough – longest rail tunnel in ASEAN, cuts through Titiwangsa Range

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.

ECRL Genting Tunnel breakthrough – longest rail tunnel in ASEAN, cuts through Titiwangsa Range

“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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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Rakyat Malaysia on Jul 14, 2025 at 2:10 pm

    With PMX such a failure, we are hoping PM Najib can come back in time to launch his this baby and at same time call his golf buddy Trump to remove that 25% tariff. Fingers crossed he will return.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
    • fight against corruption on Jul 14, 2025 at 3:09 pm

      no thanks we already had 1mdb which stole from the country billions .. with najib back we can look forward to sequel 2mdb 3mdb 4mdb which will make the country worse than zimbabwe

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • short memory on Jul 14, 2025 at 3:11 pm

      we still remember rosmah’s stash of hundreds million worth of birkin bag in pavilion condo, jho low escapades, riza aziz using 1mdb money to fund wolf of wall street movie.
      and you are advocating for a sequel 2mdb? insanity.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Nurul Izzah on Jul 14, 2025 at 3:35 pm

    Anwar menang rakyat senang

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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