THE proposed Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project remains on track and is on schedule despite concerns over possible delays.
Mass Rail Transit (MRT) Corporation Sdn Bhd, the project owner assured that the project is on schedule and expressed its gratitude to the public for their concern.
MRT Corp, as the asset owner and project developer of the Mutiara Line, said over the past three months, it has been actively driving the project forward.
One of the key activities undertaken was securing necessary approval for advance works under Section 20A of the Town and Rural Planning Act 1976.
This approval was finally cleared recently on April 15, this year.
MRT Corp has also made significant headway in the land acquisition process, having secured access to 86 plots of land to date and the gazette of Section 8 under the Land Acquisition Act 1960.
This progress, earlier than the targeted date of October 2025, forms a key milestone in keeping the project on track.
Meanwhile, SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd (SRS), the appointed civil main contractor for Package 1 of the project, has been working to fulfil several post-award conditions outlined in the contract.
The official Notice to Proceed (NTP) can only be issued to SRS once these conditions are satisfactorily met.
As the design and build civil contractor for Package 1, SRS will need to finalise designs and construction drawings for civil structure within the project scope after the issuance of the NTP.
Another critical aspect of pre-construction work is the relocation of utilities, which must be completed before any station or viaduct related construction activity can take place.
"We appreciate the public’s continued support and understanding as we advance through this initial phase of project development."
The project that will cost an estimated RM13 billion, and consists of 21 stations, running from the ongoing reclaimed Silicon Island to Penang Sentral in Butterworth, covering a track distance 29.5km.
It is billed as the largest ever inland infrastructure undertaking in Penang. - April 22, 2025
