Suspension lifted, ECRL work to start as early as next month

Work on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) could start as early as next month, according to the project's owner Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Darwis Abdul Razak.

"We expect the construction to commence as soon as possible, subject to the approval of the relevant authorities. We are looking as early as May," he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

He said the suspension imposed on the ECRL project in July last year was lifted as soon as MRL inked the supplementary agreement with the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) in Beijing last week.

Darwis was with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir, who divulged further information regarding the new agreement, which has reduced the cost to RM44 billion. This is RM21.5 billion less than its original cost of RM65.5 billion.

According to Mahathir, the ECRL's new completion date would extend to December 2026 instead of June 2024.

He also pointed out that under the new agreement, CCCC would be involved in the operation and maintenance of the ECRL as well, as opposed to just being part of the construction process.

A joint venture company would be set up for this purpose where MRL and CCCC would have equal share.

According to Darwis, CCCC would share the burden in the event the joint venture suffered a loss, whereas MRL would take 80 percent if the project proved to be profitable.

[More to follow] - Mkini