Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached another milestone with the recent breakthrough of the Genting Tunnel.

According to China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor for the project, the Genting Tunnel poses unique engineering challenges, demanding specialised expertise and advanced technology to navigate its complex geological conditions.

Spanning 16.39 km, it is the longest tunnel along the entire ECRL alignment, shared CCCC. Constructed through the rugged Titiwangsa mountain range, the tunnel traverses complex and varied geological conditions, presenting extraordinary engineering challenges.

To overcome these, the project deployed an advanced tunnel boring machine (TBM), one of the largest ever used in Malaysia, said CCCC. The TBM, custom-designed for the tunnel’s demanding conditions, allowed for safe and precise excavation while minimising environmental impact.

This latest breakthrough signifies not only progress on the ECRL project but also the successful collaboration and unwavering dedication essential for completing such a challenging infrastructural endeavour, affirmed CCCC.

Image: China Communications Construction Co Ltd