ECRL PROJECT MARKS FIRST TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH
AT THE 1.1KM TEROWONG PAKA

On 9^th April, The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has marked another major milestone with the first tunnel breakthrough at the 1.1km long single-bore Terowong Paka in Terengganu.

To celebrate this landmark achievement, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali officiated the breakthrough in a ceremony held at the tunnel’s North portal.  Present at the ceremony include MRL Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd Managing Director Bai Yinzhan, members of MRL’s Board of Directors, senior government officials from the State of Terengganu, and members of the media.

Despite major challenges faced during the construction period which included works suspension for 9 months and strict SOP for Covid-19 pandemic that reduced the working strength and period, the site team at Terowong Paka managed to achieve the breakthrough 6 months ahead of schedule.

Expressing his appreciation on the excellent work progress at Terowong Paka, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki said the hard work and commitment of about 100 ECRL personnel at all levels in carrying out the tunnelling works have contributed to the breakthrough. All other related tunnel civil works are expected to be fully completed by the first quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Bai Yinzhan thanked the ECRL project team from both sides for putting in commending efforts in accomplishing the first tunnel breakthrough and other project milestones. He also credited the achievements to the hard work of workers and local contractors.