Plans for a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in Penang are expected to be submitted to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) next month. According to The Sun Daily, local government traffic management and flood mitigation committee chairman, Chow Kon Yeow, revealed that the system is a part of the RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
“These plans will be on public display for three months to gather feedback, getting approval is a legal requirement,” Chow said. He added that the priority for the LRT system would be to link the Komtar and Bayan Lepas areas and hopes that it will be approved quickly.
Originally, PTMP was designed to relieve traffic and connection issues between the Penang island and the mainland. Mass rail transit (MRT) systems, busses, ferries and water taxis are also included as prime solutions for this under the master plan.
It is said that the state government has already appointed SRS Consortium as its Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and that funds would be raised via the reclamation of a 930-hectare plot of land as well as a 445-hectare plot off the coast of Permatang Damar Laut.
As previously reported, the Bayan Lepas LRT is expected to stretch from Komtar to Permatang Damar Laut via the Penang International Airport – the proposed alignment spans some 22 km and include 19 stations. Another eight stations are expected to be built along three proposed reclaimed islands in the south, bringing the total length to 30 km.
10 years ago Penang apply but Putrajaya rejected the plan because of “political difference”. Now will Putrajaya approve it?
Yes! After this, more and more houses will be sold under current market value.
Komtar is built during our father’s generation. It looks old and dirty. Penang should built a new landmark, maybe Penang Tower to better reflect Penang’s current status.
if DAP build a new tower, regardless of whether it is needed or not, BN will then accuse DAP of corruption and misusing public money.
I hope Penang do something to connect the Balik Pulau as well. Shows that no discrimination and do not focus to one side of the island only.
Surely but slowly, Balik Pulau will be connected also. Just look at the development of houses and shops around Balik Pulau. In the end, market forces will determine the rate of progress.
But I’m hoping at least some parts of Penang is preserved in its slow-paced form. We don’t want Klang Valley style development in Penang — Too many cars and too many multi-layer roads, not to mention tolls.