KUALA LUMPUR – The decision to extend the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) original alignment of 640km to 665km is a significant move, as the line will be connected to both the North and West Ports, said an expert.
Public transport researcher S.M. Sabri S.M. Ismail said without the extension, ECRL would have no direct connection to any port, and so, cargo would have to be dropped off in Jalan Kastam to be transported by trucks to the ports, or transhipped using Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) trains.
“There is a need for additional projects to extend ECRL from Jalan Kastam to the ports, which seems to be what this new extension does,” he told Bernama.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong on Tuesday announced that the extension encompasses the “original 30km” – 24km from Jalan Kastam at Port Klang to the West Port, and 6km from Jalan Kastam to the North Port.
He said this is why the government has to build a land bridge and optimise the use of rail, since ECRL’s primary objective is to serve as a cargo route, at 70%.
“So, we need to ensure there are returns.”
Revert to original alignment
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), in response to a query from Bernama, said reverting to the original alignment will enable the construction of a meter gauge bypass line from Serendah to Port Klang for KTMB to be included.
“The bypass line will make KTMB rail services more efficient, as it serves as a significant freight relief line for KTMB, which currently faces bottlenecks when traversing Kuala Lumpur’s central business district.
“The issue of freight congestion also concerns public safety, as KTMB cargo containing hazardous materials also needs to go past, among others, the KL Sentral and Bank Negara stations.”
The ECRL project owner said the cargo hub will facilitate seamless rail connectivity from Serendah to the peninsula’s various economic corridors and ports.
“In short, the new alignment will increase the efficiency of ECRL cargo services.”
Economic impact
Bank Islam chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the land bridge appears to be the main selling point, since it will reduce travel time for international trade.
“Given that Malaysia is a trading nation, it will facilitate export-oriented industries, which will be beneficial to economic sectors like manufacturing and services.
“Additionally, it will have an impact on the property market, especially in areas with ECRL’s presence.”
He said the construction sector will be the main beneficiary.
“In a nutshell, the sooner the project is implemented, the better it will be for the economy.
“Of course, adhering to the timeline and projected costs is also critical to avoid any potential cost overruns.”
Concurring with Afzanizam, MRL said the new alignment, which now covers more of Selangor with 94km of rail line, will improve connectivity in the state, spurring the growth of the manufacturing and services sectors, in turn having a positive socio-economic impact on areas like Gombak, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor and Port Klang.
“In addition, the new alignment will drive tourist arrivals and the growth of business centres in Bentong, which is on track to be elevated as Pahang’s second city.
“Moreover, it is also expected to boost new developments and townships, as well as spur commercial activities in relatively new areas like Puncak Alam and Kapar, both of which have been designated as ECRL stations.”
The line, expected to be ready in 2026, was 20.37% completed as of January – above the original aim of 19.39%.
The progress of Section B, covering Dungun to Mentakab, has advanced well beyond its original target of 5.83% after reaching 9.47% completion. – Bernama, March 14, 2021
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