ECRL extension, two-port connectivity a significant move, says expert

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) announced last Tuesday that the additional alignment will encompass the original 30km, which is 24km from Jalan Kastam (Port Klang), to West Port and 6km from Jalan Kastam to the North Port.r

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to extend the East Coast Rail Line’s (ECRL) original alignment of 640km to 665km is a very significant move as it will be connected to both North Port and West Port, said an expert.

Public transport researcher SM Sabri SM Ismail said without the extension to the ports, ECRL has no direct connection to port at all, hence, all freight cargoes have to stop at Jalan Kastam, then carried by trucks to the ports or transhipped by KTM trains.