The government is looking into plans to construct a double-tracking system on top of the existing railway for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project

'Double-tracking for ECRL'

NST TEAM
New Straits Times22 March 2018



KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking into plans to construct a double-tracking system on top of the existing railway for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) had been conducting a study on the 688km double-tracking project, which would cost RM55 billion. "Earlier, the plan had only involved a single track on a dual formation railway. However, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Berhad and SPAD that a double-tracking is needed.






(File pix) Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) had been conducting a study on the 688km double-tracking project, which would cost RM55 billion. (NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAAD)

"Results of the study will be announced soon. Of course, we are looking into costs, and earlier we had looked into speed, security and safety," Abdul Rahman said during a session to wind up the royal address by Yang-Di Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said SPAD had set up a committee to probe into the derailment of a cargo train car at the Bank Negara Station last November. The committee which consists several experts was looking into safety, maintenance and operations of the rail system. "Investigation is being finalised. Recommendations will be issued soon after." Reporting by Syed Umar Ariff; Rohaniza Idris; Luqman Arif Abdul Karim; Ahmad Suhael Adnan and Siti Nur Mas Erah Amran© New Straits Times Press