How much longer will the ECRL journey be due to the route change?

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Revised ECRL Route Will Significantly Increase Travel Time

The revised East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) route, specifically the omission of the Titiwangsa Range tunnel through Bentong, is projected to add an additional one to two hours to the journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru. This change effectively negates the original objective of reducing travel time to a mere four hours, making the rail option less advantageous compared to driving.
Impact of Route Omission on Travel Duration

The decision to bypass the Titiwangsa Range tunnel near Bentong is the primary factor contributing to the extended travel duration. This alteration means passengers originating from Kuala Lumpur will need to utilise the station hub in Putrajaya, requiring a southward journey before commencing the northward route to Kota Baru. This indirect path is estimated to add an extra one to two hours to the overall trip.
Original Project Goals Versus Current Reality

Under the administration of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the initial plan for the ECRL aimed to significantly reduce the travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Baru to approximately four hours. This ambitious target was intended to provide a compelling alternative to road travel. However, the revised route, as highlighted by Najib, makes the rail journey's duration nearly comparable to the seven hours it takes to drive between the two cities, thereby diminishing its competitive edge.
Comparison to Road Travel Time

The extended travel time on the revised ECRL route raises concerns about its practical utility. With the car journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru already taking around seven hours, any significant increase in the rail travel time, particularly if it approaches this duration, would render the ECRL's advantage minimal. This situation prompts questions about the overall benefit and efficiency of the project under its current configuration.

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How much longer will the ECRL journey be due to the route change?

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