This week breakthrough was marked on the 2.8km-long Kuantan Tunnel, the 12th tunnel to be excavated on the new rail line.
Digging on another three tunnels is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
In June, prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob launched the first of two TBMs excavating the twin-bore Genting Tunnel. The 16.39km tunnel will be the longest rail tunnel in South-east Asia. It will cut under the Titiwangsa mountain range and the TBMs, manufactured by the China Communications Constructions Co, are designed for hard rock conditions.
The 665km-long ECRL rail network will connect the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia from Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor. It will comprise a mix of 20 passenger and cargo stations and is scheduled to open in January 2027.
