25 August 2023, Gedung Siam Tunnel.
In a significant development for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Project, the 1.32-km ‘Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel’ has achieved its tunnelling breakthrough on schedule. This marks the completion of tunnel excavations for both Sections A and B of the project.
The breakthrough at the ‘Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel’ was a result of determined efforts, involving around 27,980 man-hours and utilizing the drill-and-blast method of tunneling. The tunnel, which spans 1.32 kilometers, is designed with an average height of 13.47 meters and a width of 13.02 meters, accommodating two standard gauge railway tracks. Impressively, the tunnel’s permanent lining stretches over 1,113 meters.
The excavation process for the ‘Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel’ began in January 2020, and the breakthrough occurred as planned in August 2023. This tunnel’s construction is crucial in maintaining the ECRL railway track’s maximum gradient of 0.74 percent and in minimizing the need for extensive forest cutting.
Chairman of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, congratulated the ECRL workforce for their commitment and teamwork that led to this accomplishment. With the successful completion of this tunnel, civil works are anticipated to conclude by April 2024.
The ECRL Project’s achievements include the installation of long-span bridges at key points and the completion of tunnel excavation works in Sections A and B. The installation of ECRL tracks is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023, initiating the rail alignment from Gebeng to Dungun.
Currently, the ECRL Project has an overall completion rate of 48.77 percent. This progress is driving towards the envisioned rail infrastructure completion from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal by December 2026. The final completion, which includes extending the rail to Port Klang, is projected for December 2027.
China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) Managing Director, Kong Qi, praised the achievement as a testament to the dedication and expertise of their team. This breakthrough underscores their commitment to creating connections and advancing progress in the region.
