Gombak: Every major East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station is an architectural tribute to its state's heritage, history, and culture, transforming each stop into a living showcase of local identity, not just a transit point. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said this approach ensures ECRL development highlights the cultural and heritage uniqueness of communities along its route.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized that the Kota Bharu ECRL Station in Bandar Batu Tunjong incorporates the traditional 'Rumah Meleh Melayu' architectural concept with 'Bunga Ketam Guri' motifs, preserving Kelantan's cultural identity within a modern development. The Kuala Terengganu Station design is inspired by boat and wave elements, symbolising Terengganu's maritime heritage, particularly its tradition of hand-carved wooden boat-making.
Loke was speaking at the launch of the Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT), unveiling ECRL's main station design concepts, and the start of System Integration Testing (SIT) and Fault-Free Run (FFR) at the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station today. He stated that in Pahang, the KotaSAS Station design draws inspiration from the state crest, featuring the 'Gading Gajah' (elephant tusk), while the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station's geometric concept is inspired by the natural fort-like shape of the Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge.
The 26-month development on the 9.96-hectare site has now reached 98.96 per cent completion and is expected to be fully completed this September. Loke noted that overall progress for ECRL Phase 1, linking Kota Bharu and Gombak, has reached 95.08 per cent as of July.
"With this encouraging progress, I believe the public will soon experience the ECRL services as scheduled. The East Coast community can look forward to returning home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri on the ECRL next year," he said. The ECRL project is entering its testing and commissioning phase through SIT and FFR for the Kota Bharu-Gombak stretch, with commercial operations targeted to begin this December, ahead of the original January target.
Meanwhile, China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) president Zhang Bingnan remarked that the start of SIT and FFR signifies a significant step toward the project's completion, handover, and smooth operation. He affirmed CCCC's commitment to high standards, quality, and efficiency in delivering a durable rail system that benefits communities along the route.