Penang's much-anticipated Light Rail Transit (LRT) line is set to transform the states public transport infrastructure, with a projected cost of RM13 billion and a completion timeline set for 2031. The first station will be located on Silicon Island, near the airport runway, with the line running northwards to Komtar in George Town.

According to MRT Corp CEO Zarif Hashim, the LRT line will feature 21 stations, including a cross-channel bridge connecting Penang Island to Butterworth. Construction of the bridge is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

The cross-channel bridge, a critical component of the LRT project, will span 4 kilometers from the Macallum station on the island to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. Designed with a midspan height of 62 meters, it will accommodate the passage of ships.

Zarif emphasized that the Macallum station will serve as a key interchange, enabling seamless travel between the island and Butterworth. Passengers from the island heading to Butterworth will be able to transfer to trains bound for Penang Sentral.

The tender process for the bridge is set to conclude by the second quarter of 2026, with construction to begin shortly thereafter. Zarif assured that the entire LRT line, including the bridge and the island stations, is expected to be completed simultaneously.

The type of trains to be used for the LRT line will be determined later this year through an open tender process. MRT Corp is targeting an initial ridership of 60,000 passengers per day by the third year of operation, with the number expected to grow to 168,000 passengers daily within 20 years.

Further details about the LRT project will be disclosed in Kuala Lumpur on Monday following the signing of an agreement with the contractors, Zarif added.

During the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sungai Pinang station, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the importance of connecting Penang Island and Seberang Perai through efficient infrastructure. He noted that the federal governments approval and funding of the LRT project reflect its commitment to meeting the needs of investors and the community.

"The investors have asked for good infrastructure, which is why the federal government approved and funded the LRT. The line should ideally connect the island and Seberang Perai," Anwar said.

With its ambitious design and significant funding, the Penang LRT project is expected to play a crucial role in improving connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and fostering economic growth in the region.

Source: FMT