GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 — Construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) alignment linking Macallum on the island to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai, including a marine bridge across the Penang Strait, is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the tender evaluation process for the alignment was currently being undertaken by MRT Corp, the implementing agency, and was expected to be completed this month.
“Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027, following the appointment of the main contractor for the Macallum-Penang Sentral alignment. Preliminary works will be carried out first, followed by major construction activities, including the construction of a bridge across the Penang Strait.
“The alignment is targeted for completion by December 2031, in tandem with the section linking Silicon Island to Komtar on the island,” he said in a written reply during the State Assembly sitting here today.
He was responding to a question from Kumaran Krishnan (PH-Bagan Dalam) on the commencement of the LRT alignment in Seberang Perai, particularly the section leading to Penang Sentral.
Zairil said the finalised Macallum-Penang Sentral alignment would feature a 5.5-kilometre (km) marine bridge across the Penang Strait, with two main stations at Macallum and Penang Sentral.
The Bagan Luar station, meanwhile, has been designated as a provisional station to facilitate possible future expansion of the alignment.
The Mutiara Line LRT project is scheduled to begin construction in 2025, with operations expected to commence in December 2031. The line will span approximately 29.67 km and comprise 20 stations, in addition to two provisional stations.
As the first integrated metro transit system in the northern region, the project is expected to improve connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, ease traffic congestion and enhance accessibility. — Bernama
