Penang’s highly anticipated Mutiara Line LRTproject is set to commence next year, according to transport minister Anthony Loke. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, he revealed that the project is currently in its final negotiation phase, with detailed discussions on design and costs expected to conclude by year-end. The announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Railway Assets Corporation and the Lembaga Perumahan Negeri Pulau Pinang (LPNPP).
Negotiations involve the project’s implementation agency,Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), and the contractor, SRS Consortium. Loke clarified that while the Penang state government had initially anticipated a 2023 start, this timeline was never officially confirmed by the ministry. He also said that an announcement regarding the project will be made once negotiations are finalised.
The Mutiara LRT project now includes a new alignment connecting Penang Island to the mainland. This adjustment, directed by the prime minister, has necessitated additional time for planning and negotiation. Loke explained that the project was initially managed by the state government, but the ministry’s involvement has expanded its scope to enhance interconnectivity.
Loke added that the project’s first phase, linking Bayan Lepas to Komtar, will be prioritised. This segment is critical for establishing a backbone for the LRT system on Penang Island. Additionally, the second phase of the project is being planned to connect the island’s George Town line to Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland. The transport minister also emphasised the importance of planning the entire Mutiara LRT project to ensure connectivity between both alignments.
(Source: Bernama)
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