GEORGE TOWN, May 30 – The eagerly anticipated Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Penang is set to commence its first phase, including the call for tenders, by the end of this year, according to the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook. The Federal government aims to expedite the project’s implementation to ensure completion within a five-year timeframe. In an effort to optimize the implementation plan, the MRT Corp has revised the phase execution strategy to better suit the project’s requirements.
The initial plan involved implementing the LRT project in multiple phases, with the first phase spanning from Penang International Airport (LTAPP) to Komtar. However, after careful consideration, the route has been extended to Tanjung Bungah. Spanning 29 kilometers with 27 stations, the LRT line will prominently feature Komtar as the main station situated in the heart of the city, specifically at the previously identified site near Sia Boey. The first phase, which will commence at the end of this year, will encompass the call for tenders.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced an increased allocation of funds by the Central Government for the comprehensive implementation of LRT services in Penang. Further discussions with the state government are scheduled to take place in the near future to address this matter. Minister Anthony clarified that the LRT depot will not be located on Silicon Island, a part of the Penang South Island Project (PSI). Instead, the depot will be constructed on an existing site, although the specific location is still under deliberation.
The Minister emphasized the importance of finalizing the depot’s location to expedite the LRT project. Building the depot on the PSI Project site would require waiting for the completion of the island’s reclamation, whereas utilizing an existing site would significantly accelerate the process. Finalizing the depot’s location is crucial for determining cost and alignment. While several potential sites have been considered, a final decision has not yet been reached.
Once the location, cost, and alignment are finalized, the Ministry of Transport will present the decision to the Ministry of Finance for approval. Furthermore, the new alignment from Komtar to Tanjung Bungah will be publicly displayed to gather feedback from the community. Minister Anthony assured that public concerns and objections, including those raised by non-governmental organizations, will be attentively addressed during this extended route proposal.
The Central Government remains committed to implementing the LTAPP-Komtar extension, acknowledging the significance of engaging with the public to ensure a successful and inclusive project.
