Genting highlands: The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project achieved an important milestone after the 16.39-kilometre (km) Genting Tunnel was dug completely according to schedule. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the tunnel, situated on the Titiwangsa Range, was among the most challenging structures in terms of engineering out of the 41 tunnels along the ECRL route. He noted that the tunneling work required more than two years to complete, utilizing a hybrid method that combined a tunnel boring machine with drilling and explosives.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke mentioned at a media conference after the Genting ECRL tunnel breakthrough ceremony that his ministry was considering suggestions to extend the ECRL line from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, to enhance connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak described the on-schedule completion of boring for the Genting Tunnel as a significant achievement. He highlighted the challenging conditions faced by the ECRL project team during the boring work through the mountainous Titiwangsa Range.

With the completion of tunnel boring work, the ECRL project now progresses to its next phase, which includes installing tracks, electrical systems, signals, communications, and internal equipment for stations. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with passenger service set to commence in phases from January 2027.