‘ECRL extension vital for direct port connection’

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to extend the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) original alignment of 640km to 665km is a significant move as it will be connected to both Northport and Westports in Port Klang, said an expert.

Public transport researcher SM Sabri SM Ismail said without the extension, the ECRL would have no direct connection to the ports as all freight cargoes had to stop in Jalan Kastam and be transported by lorries or trains to the ports.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong announced last Tuesday that the additional alignment would encompass the original alignment from Jalan Kastam to Westports and Northport.

He said this was the reason why the government had to build a land bridge and optimise the usage of rail as the primary objective of constructing the ECRL was for a cargo route, which was 70 per cent for cargo and 30 per cent for passengers.

“So we need to ensure there are returns,” he said.

ECRL project owner Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said reverting to the original alignment would enable the construction of a meter gauge bypass line from Serendah to Port Klang for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) to be included in the ECRL alignment.

“The bypass line will make KTMB rail services more efficient as it serves as a significant freight relief line to 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 through, among others, the Kuala Lumpur Sentral and Bank Negara Malaysia stations.”

MRL said the cargo hub would be able to facilitate seamless rail connectivity from Serendah to economic corridors and ports in Peninsular Malaysia.

“In short, the new alignment will increase the efficiency of ECRL cargo services,” it added.

From the economic standpoint, Bank Islam chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the land bridge appeared to be the main selling point since it would reduce travel time.

“It could facilitate export-oriented industries, which will be beneficial to the manufacturing and services sectors, among others.

“Additionally, it could have an impact on the property market, especially in areas relating to the ECRL.”

He said the construction sector would be the main beneficiary.

“So in a nutshell, the sooner the project is implemented, the better it will be for the economy.”

The ECRL, which is expected to be ready in 2026, had reached 20.37 per cent completion as of January.