GEORGE TOWN – The proposed light rail transit (LRT) system in Penang will now be expanded to include a route to Tg Bungah, which sits along the northern beachfront of the island, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said that instead of the initial plan to build the line from Komtar in George Town to the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas, stretching 17.5km, the link will now push northwards towards the Tg Bungah suburb.
He said the revised LRT project would feature 27 stations within a 29-km stretch.
“The entire project will be elevated,” Loke said after visiting the proposed interchange site in Komtar.
Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state exco for infrastructure Zairil Khir Johari, as well as state exco for tourism Yeoh Soon Hin.
Loke also said that MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd was selected as the project delivery partner of the Penang LRT project.
“We are on a fast-track basis to have the LRT. Our completion period is within five years.”
Loke said MRT Corp will now oversee the project and conduct the tenders process accordingly.
He added that the LRT project will be implemented in stages, with the first being the island, with room later for expansion towards Butterworth and Kepala Batas on the mainland.
“We have yet to finalise the financing model, it could be development expenditure or bonds under the MRT. We need to discuss with the Finance Ministry.”
“We are also discussing with the state government on where to site the depot. It has been agreed that the location will be inland and not on the reclaimed Penang South Island site.”
Asked about criticism from non-governmental organisations regarding the LRT project, Loke said that everyone has a right to voice their complaints.
However, he said the project’s processes would be transparent, adding that MRT Corp will show its plans to the public.
He claimed that the land acquisition process would be minimal, with the private sector likely to be invited to have a joint venture with the government on the project. – The Vibes, May 30, 2023
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