ECRL project resumes at a reduced cost

The question mark hanging above the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is now gone after both parties, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), agreed to reduce the total cost from RM66 billion to RM44 billion.

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office, MRL and CCCC signed a Supplementary Agreement (SA) to pave the way for the resumption of the ECRL project.

Based on the infographic by New Straits Times, other than the reduction of RM21.5 billion, the original distance of 688 km will also be cut to 648 km and the double track rail will start from Kota Baru and go through Mentakab, Jelebu, Kuala Klawang, Bangi, Kajang, Putrajaya and end at Port Klang.

Source: NST

To answer the speculations that Terengganu would be left out of the new ECRL routes, The Council of Eminent Persons Chairman Tun Daim Zainuddin said that Terengganu is not being bypassed as six stations will be built in the state. The stations will be located at Chukai, Kemasik, Dungun, Pengkalan Berangan, Kuala Terengganu and Kampung Raja.

Information on the planned stations was detailed in a Malay Mail infographic.

Source: Malaymail

Previously, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said if the former government’s plan were to be followed, the government would be saddled with a RM130 billion debt.