By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, July 3 — The federal government has identified the Gombak East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station as a strategic transit-oriented development (TOD) hub due to its location linking Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Pahang.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the station would serve as the main gateway between the East Coast and the Klang Valley, adding that it has strong potential to be developed into an integrated transport hub to strengthen public transport connectivity while driving economic growth in the surrounding areas.
"Gombak's strategic location and well-connected transport network position it as the main gateway between the Klang Valley and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
"It has the potential to serve as a multimodal transport hub linking the ECRL with the LRT network, intercity bus services and the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway.
"This is expected to encourage greater use of public transport, reduce reliance on private vehicles and strengthen Gombak's role as a gateway city connecting Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Pahang," he said in a written parliamentary reply dated yesterday.
He was responding to a question from Selangor Menteri Besar-cum-Gombak MP Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, who asked about the federal government's plans to develop the Gombak ECRL station as a strategic TOD hub.
The 665 km ECRL runs from Kota Bharu in Kelantan through Terengganu and Pahang before entering Selangor, linking key cities including Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan and Bentong.
It is scheduled to commence operations in January 2027.
Loke said that, to maximise the station's potential, the government is considering improving physical integration between major transport facilities in Gombak through the construction of a covered pedestrian walkway, or link bridge, connecting the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal, Gombak LRT station and Gombak ECRL station.
He said the initiative would improve connectivity between rail, bus and taxi services, creating a smoother, more comfortable and efficient travel experience for commuters.
He added that the government welcomes the participation of the Selangor government and the private sector in planning integrated commercial and residential developments around the transport hub to support the TOD concept.
Loke said such developments should take into account factors including integration with public transport, commercial and residential potential, projected passenger demand, road connectivity and socio-economic impact to ensure sustainable and well-planned growth.
