Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) plans to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility and feasibility of constructing a metro line for the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) in town center, in addition to an undersea line connecting Seberang Perai with the island.
At a gathering on Thursday (August 17), Prime Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that MRT Corp had proposed this postponement to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. After taking up the project, MRT Corp now oversees the Penang LRT project.
He explained that MRT Corp had proposed that the road through the waterway to the north can be built below sea level. He further revealed that the unique proposal for the LRT line was for an elevated track structure, but MRT Corp proposed that the section of the road adjoining to George Town city center be built underground.
He also explained that the underground part will probably be situated in town center. No major changes are expected on the route.
As planned, the route will begin at Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas and proceed via Komtar, Tanjung Bungah, Air Itam, Butterworth, Head Batas and Simpang Ampat.
Last month, Chow revealed that the state government was able to launch the primary phase of the LRT project connecting Bayan Lepas, Komtar and Tanjung Bungah after the federal government approved funds for the project.
The second phase of the LRT project will connect Seberang Perai on the mainland with Komtar on the island.
The Penang LRT project initiative is an element of a joint effort by the central and state governments to resolve the divide between Seberang Perai and the island. This goal is according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aspirations for an LRT line connecting the 2 regions.
