Penang's first LRT project set to begin, aiming for 2030 completion

KUALA LUMPUR: Anthony Loke, the Minister of Transport, announced the initiation of Penang's inaugural LRT (Light Rail Transit) project, the Mutiara Line, is scheduled to start in the last quarter of this year. This landmark project, now under the purview of the federal government, is expected to be completed within six years, targeting a 2030 finish.

According to The Star's report, Loke expressed optimism that the discussions with the SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd would wrap up within the next six months, paving the way for the commencement of construction activities by the year's end. He shared this update during a press conference at the ministry on March 29.

The project's contracts are segmented into three primary parts: the route from Silicon Island to Komtar (Segment 1), the stretch from Komtar to Penang Sentral (Segment 2), and a comprehensive contract for turn-key systems and rolling stock.

It was revealed that the Segment 1 contract was proposed to SRS Consortium based on a Single Sourcing Request for Proposal process, a decision influenced by the Penang state government's nomination of SRS as the Project Delivery Partner for the Penang Transportation Master Plan, including the LRT Mutiara Line, via an open tender process initiated in August 2015.

SRS Consortium has undertaken preliminary technical design studies and secured various necessary approvals, including those for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, under a scheme known as Skim Kereta Api, with the consortium shouldering the related expenses.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has sanctioned the appointment of MRT Corp as the developer and asset manager of this new railway line, involving MRT Corp in the management of the rolling stock operations depot and various transit-oriented development initiatives in collaboration with the state government. This approach is designed to generate additional non-ticket revenue, which will be reinvested in future train maintenance.

The proposed LRT Mutiara Line will extend over approximately 29 kilometers and feature 20 stations, incorporating two major interchange stations at Komtar and Penang Sentral.

Building of an LRT in Penang aims to tackle the region's pressing traffic congestion by providing a reliable and efficient alternative to road transportation. This move is particularly significant for George Town and surrounding areas, where narrow roads and high vehicle volumes often lead to gridlock.

By offering a faster, more consistent mode of transport, the LRT system will enhance the overall public transport infrastructure in Penang. It's also seen as a step towards sustainable urban development, encouraging people to shift from individual car use to public transport, thereby reducing carbon emissions and contributing to environmental preservation.

Additionally, improving the public transport network supports economic growth by making it easier for people to commute to work and access services, and for tourists to explore the region. This infrastructure development reflects a broader strategy to modernize Penang's transportation system, making it more attractive for investment and living, and aligning with global trends towards greener, more livable cities.

Believe it or not, the idea of introducing a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in Penang has been part of the broader Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which was first proposed in 2013. The PTMP is a comprehensive plan aimed at solving the state's transportation challenges over the next few decades.

It includes a mix of public transport options, road expansions, and new infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity and mobility across the state.

The LRT project, specifically, was conceptualized as a key component of this master plan to provide an efficient, reliable, and sustainable mode of transport for residents and visitors, aligning with the state's vision for future development and growth.

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