ECRL will reduce traffic jams for those East Coast-bound: Wee

JOHOR BARU – The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is expected to solve traffic congestion, especially for those heading to the East Coast during the festive season, once it is completed by the end of 2026.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said the project would also help reduce travelling times between the east and west coasts of the peninsula, from more than seven hours to around four hours.

“This project will help the people in the region,” he told reporters when met at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in Saujana here today.

The 665km rail network, which includes 59 tunnels, is estimated to cost RM50.27 billion and will traverse four states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor.

Meanwhile, Wee said almost all major roads nationwide were under control despite the high volume of vehicles in most states.

He said apart from banning heavy vehicles from entering the main and federal roads, the provision of free tolls and discounts, as well as the road safety campaigns conducted by the government had helped keep matters in control. – Bernama, May 3, 2022