PAKA: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia's mega rail project, jointly constructed with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), yesterday saw the first tunnel breakthrough that happened here in Terengganu, reported Xinhua.
The breakthrough ceremony of the 1.1km-long single-bored Paka tunnel was attended by officials and representatives of project owner Malaysia Rail Link and CCCC.
The ECRL runs from Malaysia's largest transport hub in Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan, which is expected to greatly enhance connectivity.
It is expected to bring more balanced growth to the country by linking its less-developed region on the east coast to the economic heartland on the west coast upon its completion in 2026.
Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said earlier this week that the construction work of the ECRL "was in full swing" and was progressing at an "encouraging" rate of 21.39 per cent as of last month.
The works at more than 300 locations will commence by year-end involving earthworks, bridge construction as well as tunnelling, which will drive the construction of the ECRL into its peak period, he said. - BERNAMA