Penang LRT project alignment revamp likely as transport ministry takes over; may not begin this year

Penang LRT project alignment revamp likely as transport ministry takes over; may not begin this year

There will likely be modifications to the proposed RM10 billion light rail transit (LRT) project alignment in Penang following its takeover by the transport ministry, according to Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, reported The Vibes.

To that end, there will be a possibility that construction of the LRT project will not begin this year due to the need to conduct further feasibility studies and assessments, along with account input from various quarters, according to the news outlet.

In its original form, the LRT project on the island was planned to connect the Komtar complex with the Penang International Airport in the south of the island. This has recently been stretched northward towards Tanjung Bungah, while the proposed underground link in George Town has been scrapped.

Penang LRT project alignment revamp likely as transport ministry takes over; may not begin this year

A possible replacement route could be a rail bridge over the channel between the island and the mainland, to enable the LRT to run from Geroge to Butterworth. This will link the LRT project from the island directly to Penang Sentral, which is the main hub for express buses, ride-sharing service and KTMB trains in the northern region, according to The Vibes.

Previously led by the Penang state government, the LRT project initially had SRS Consortium appointment as consultant before the project was taken over by MRT Corp.

The chief minister of Penang hoped that consideration for the project will be given quickly if it begins this year, as there are many technical and financial issues to be studied beforehand, the report wrote. “A cabinet paper would need to be tabled [now] to get its green light and guidance for the next step,” Chow said.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Kyosho on Feb 14, 2024 at 2:08 pm

    Penang MRT it won’t happen continue to dream

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 12
    • It is become a topic only when election is coming regardless any parties

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Haha I hate to agree with you… but I feel the same…

    How many years already still need to study this study that…

    Singapore already completed NEL and Circle Line, and even the latest TEL also almost complete…

    KL already complete MRT… and new Lines already ongoing…

    JB and Singapore RTS already moving…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
  • Wakeup on Feb 14, 2024 at 6:19 pm

    You are right. This topics will use to “goreng” only when election is coming regardless any parties. Penangites keep trapped in traffic jam

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • Since 2009, lrt and tunnel all talk no action. If penang had privatised tunnel and allowed toll, it could have been done ages ago but instead, a complicated land in exchange for tunnel deal was made. Even the land part has just started.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • As a penangite living in Penang, I am so tired and disappointed because of the delay and delay again. Tbh I am always amazed by how advanced and convenient are the MRT and LRT System already in KL whenever I take a trip there. But seems like the the LRT project in penang is only just a dream for many penangites citizens. I am not sure even after a decade, anything will happen or not. And why would you need to build rail bridge over the channel between the island and the mainland? I thought the ferry can already transport people from island to mainland

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • I first hearing this when I’m single and young, now my daughter drives car to college already. Someday I will tell this myth to my cucu that lrt is coming to Penang soon.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Sinyu is right. Won’t happen this year coz I’m busy selling no. plates

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • seitha on Feb 15, 2024 at 11:37 am

    why waste money unnecessarily and also inconvenience people. Why not build trams like Rome, Sydney, Neatherland…much cheaper and faster completion times.

    But of course, as usual, only big projects allow deep pockets

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
 

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