Penang

GEORGE TOWN — The Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project marked a significant milestone following the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, he main civil contractor for Package 1 (CMC1), by project developer MRT Corporation (MRTC) on July 15.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the development signified the official commencement of physical construction works for the state’s first-ever LRT project.

“On behalf of the Penang government, I would like to express our gratitude for the issuance of the official notice given. With this, the construction phase will proceed as scheduled,” he said in a statement today.

He said the initial works will include utility relocation, road widening, earth piling works and site establishment preparation across all approved locations along the Mutiara Line.

Chow also said that the state government is currently awaiting the results of the tender process for the appointment of a turnkey contractor for the CMC2 Package involving the line from Macallum to Penang Sentral, as well as the rail system package for the entire Mutiara Line.

According to him, the project has recorded several major developments this year, signalling strong momentum in the implementation of Penang’s first LRT, including the groundbreaking ceremony at the Bandar Sri Pinang Station site, the appointment of SRS as the turnkey contractor for CMC1 last January and the latest, issuance of the NTP to SRS.

He also revealed that the state government would soon introduce a a strategic communication platform and feedback line to cover all mega infrastructure projects in Penang.

This initiative aims to ensure transparency, accessibility of information, and enable constructive public interaction throughout the project’s execution, he said.

. “The state government calls on all stakeholders, especially the people of Penang, to provide full cooperation throughout the implementation of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2031 for the benefit of the state’s future,” he said.

The 29.5-kilometre-long Mutiara Line LRT comprises 21 strategic stations and is designed to improve connectivity between Penang and the mainland, thereby reducing road congestion and improving accessibility.

Its main alignment plan covers the route from Pulau Tambakan Selatan, Pulau Penang (PSR-A) to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station in Georgetown, with train services scheduled to operate on a rotating basis along the route. — BERNAMA