Serendah: The value of contracts awarded to local companies involved in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached RM18.57 billion, surpassing the initial target of RM10.8 billion, according to Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Chairman Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He highlighted the involvement of approximately 3,300 local companies, including contractors, consultants, and suppliers, from 2017 to May 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Azri emphasized the significant contribution of Bumiputera companies, stating that RM3.4 billion, or 97.14% of the RM3.5 billion target for ECRL civil works, has been awarded to Bumiputera contractors, consultants, and suppliers. He assured that MRL and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) would continue their collaboration to maximize contract values awarded to local and Bumiputera companies until the project’s completion.

Shamsul Azri noted the successful breach of the 9.88-kilometre Serendah 2 Tunnel, which occurred six months ahead of the original schedule. The tunnel’s permanent lining installation has progressed significantly, with over 7,500 meters completed before the breakthrough. The tunnel is designed with an average height of 12 meters and a width of 13 meters, accommodating two standard gauge railway tracks.

He further elaborated that excavation for the Serendah 2 Tunnel began in August 2022, with an initial completion target of December 2025. However, all civil works for the tunnel are now expected to be completed by September 2026. The ECRL project encompasses the construction of 41 tunnels, amounting to approximately 69 kilometres along the railway route.

The 16.39-kilometre twin-bore Genting Tunnel, currently in the final stages of excavation, is anticipated to be fully breached by mid-month. The ECRL project, valued at RM50.27 billion, has achieved 84.59% overall progress as of June 2025.