Najib mulls ECRL upgrades despite possibility of increased costs

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed East Coast Railway Link (ECRL) may be upgraded based on proposals and recommendations, even if it incurs additional cost.
Although the ECRL construction cost currently remains at RM55 billion, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the government is open to proposals to upgrade the project, which may or may not incur additional cost.
"The ECRL construction cost currently remains unchanged from the value detailed in the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contract.
"However, as a considerate government to ensure best services to the people and stimulate economic growth in the East Coast region, we will continue to study proposals and responses received in upgrading the ECRL," he said in a parliamentary written reply.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, was responding to Hee Loy Sian (PKR-Petaling Jaya Selatan) whether ECRL construction cost has increased recently from the RM55 billion.
He said the government will conduct a professional study and deliberate on the proposals for the upgrade of ECRL to ensure that the project is beneficial for the majority of the people.
If any, Najib said the proposals would be announced publicly upon deliberation.
He noted that the ECRL project has received good response from the public, state governments, government agencies as well as regulators.
"The overall public perception on the project is positive, as 95% of the respondents in the ECRL's first public roadshow has expressed support for the project," he said.
The first phase of ECRL involves 600.3km of rail link connecting Gombak, Selangor and Tumpat, Kelantan at an estimated cost of RM46 billion.
The 88km second phase links Gombak and Port Klang in Selangor and is estimated to cost RM9 billion.
Najib said both the phases are expected to be fully completed by middle of 2024.