ECRL Station Designs Showcase Local Heritage Identity – Loke
GOMBAK: Every main station of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is designed with its own uniqueness based on the architectural heritage, history and culture of each respective state, making them not just modern transport facilities but also a reflection of local identity.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this approach ensures that the ECRL development also highlights the cultural and heritage uniqueness of the communities along its alignment.
“For example, the Kota Bharu ECRL Station at Bandar Batu Tunjong features the traditional architectural concept of ‘Rumah Meleh Melayu’ with elements of the ‘Bunga Ketam Guri’ pattern, thus preserving the cultural uniqueness of Kelantan in modern development.
“The design of the Kuala Terengganu Station, meanwhile, is inspired by a combination of elements from the movement of ‘Perahu dan Ombak’ (Boat and Waves), symbolising Terengganu’s maritime identity. This inspiration is fitting given its reputation for the traditional hand-carved wooden boat-making heritage, which is a proud art of the local community,” he said.
He said this at the launching ceremony of the Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT), the Introduction of the Design Concept for the Main ECRL Stations, as well as the Commencement of System Integration Testing (SIT) and Fault-Free Run (FFR) of the ECRL Project at the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station here today.
Loke said the design of the KotaSAS Station is inspired by the Pahang state emblem featuring the ‘Elephant Tusk’ element, while the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station draws inspiration from the Selangor Gombak Quartz Ridge, a quartz rock formation stretching approximately 14 kilometres.
He said the geometric concept of the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station is translated from the form of the quartz ridge as a symbol of enduring natural beauty, while its construction on a 9.96-hectare site has now reached 98.96 percent and is expected to be fully completed this September after being developed over a period of 26 months.
Loke said the overall progress of the ECRL Phase 1 connecting Kota Bharu and Gombak has reached 95.08 percent as of July.
“With the encouraging progress of the ECRL Project, I believe the people’s wait to enjoy the ECRL service will become a reality as scheduled, and the East Coast community can return home to celebrate Aidilfitri in their hometowns by riding the ECRL next year,” he said.
The ECRL Project is now entering the testing and commissioning phase through SIT and FFR for the Kota Bharu-Gombak alignment, as preparation towards commercial operations targeted to begin this December, earlier than the original target of January next year.
Meanwhile, China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) President Zhang Bingnan said the commencement of SIT and FFR marks an important step towards the smooth completion, handover and operation of the ECRL.
He said his party will continue to drive the progress of the ECRL Project by prioritising high standards, quality and efficiency to realise a railway system that can withstand the test of time and bring prosperity, well-being and lasting friendship to the communities along its alignment.
BERNAMA