Kuala Lumpur, June 19: Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Premier of China, Li Qiang, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal station today. This event marks a significant collaboration between the two nations under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The ECRL Gombak Integrated Terminal station is situated on an 8.73-hectare site at the edge of the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge, the world’s longest quartz formation. The station’s design draws inspiration from the quartz, reflecting the natural beauty and dynamic urban life of the Klang Valley.
The terminal, built for passenger use, will feature an elevated platform, carpark, pick-up and drop-off areas, covered walkways, staff quarters, and landscaped gardens. It will link with the existing Gombak LRT station, enhancing connectivity via the LRT Kelana Jaya Line.
This groundbreaking ceremony is part of the Chinese Premier’s official visit to Malaysia, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Notable attendees included Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Malaysian Ambassador to China Dato’ Norman Muhamad, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, MRL CEO Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, and CCCC Chairman Wang Tongzhou.
The ECRL rail alignment, from Kota Bharu, Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, Selangor, is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with the Gombak to Port Klang section expected by December 2027. The RM50.27 billion ECRL network, spanning Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, has achieved 67.09 per cent progress as of May 2024.
The Ministry of Transport Malaysia oversees the project’s implementation.
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook stated, “The ECRL will optimise connectivity for passengers and freight between the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia. We anticipate the ECRL to drive the shift of cargo movements from road to rail, offering a safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective transportation alternative.”
Loke also mentioned exploring the extension of the ECRL alignment to connect with Thailand’s rail network, potentially integrating Malaysia into the Pan-Asian rail network, aligning with the BRI vision.
MRL Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali noted that the strategically located terminal will enhance connectivity for Klang Valley commuters traveling to the East Coast states starting January 2027. The ECRL will promote greener travel and freight transportation with its electrified rail network and 4G LTE-Railway communications.
CCCC Chairman Wang Tongzhou emphasized the partnership’s significance: “Today marks a milestone in the enduring partnership between Malaysia and China. The ECRL Gombak Integrated Terminal station symbolizes the strong economic, cultural, and technological ties we have built over the past 50 years.”
The 665-km ECRL, stretching from Kota Bharu to Port Klang, will feature 20 stations, including 10 passenger-only and 10 passenger and freight stations. T
he ECRL passenger train will reduce travel time between Kota Bharu and Gombak to four hours, compared to seven hours by road.
MRL, a subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), owns the ECRL project, while CCCC is the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) contractor.
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