Penang LRT project to extend to Tanjong Bungah

In an exciting update for Penang residents, the Federal Government has announced the extension of the proposed first alignment of the Penang LRT project to Tanjong Bungah instead of its initial endpoint at Komtar.

The Transport Minister, Loke Siew Fook, revealed this significant development, emphasizing that while the alignment is stretched further northeast on the island, Komtar will remain a crucial transit point for the public.

The project aims to improve transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the state, benefiting both residents and visitors.

Penang LRT project expands to Tanjong Bungah

The extension of the Penang LRT project’s first alignment to Tanjong Bungah brings additional convenience and accessibility to more areas on the island.

Previously, the project was slated to run from Komtar to Bayan Lepas. With this new alignment, the line will now stretch from Bayan Lepas to Tanjong Bungah, covering a distance of approximately 27 kilometres.

This expansion falls under Phase One of the project, and the government is determined to expedite construction, aiming for completion within five years.

Loke expressed his enthusiasm during a visit to the proposed LRT station at the Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park. He underlined the need to identify the location for the LRT depot promptly to finalize the project’s budget and other necessary arrangements.

He also assured that the depot would not be situated on Island A as part of the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, which the Federal Government is not involved in.

Collaborative efforts between the state government, MRT Corp, and relevant stakeholders are crucial in selecting a strategic and easily accessible location for the depot.

Progress and challenges ahead

The announcement of federal funding for Penang’s LRT project by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 6 brought renewed hope for improved transportation infrastructure in the state.

The Transport Minister expressed his desire for the tender process for Phase One (Bayan Lepas – Tanjong Bungah) to commence by the end of the year, providing smooth progress.

However, Loke acknowledged that land acquisition would be an inevitable challenge during the construction phase.

To address this, a combination of state land, existing federal and PDC land, and potential collaboration with the private sector are being considered to ensure a successful and efficient project execution.

The extension of the Penang LRT project to Tanjong Bungah opens up new possibilities for residents and visitors, offering improved connectivity and accessibility.

With plans to prioritize Komtar as a major transit hub, the project aims to create a well-integrated transportation network. The coming months will witness further progress as the government finalizes crucial aspects such as the depot’s location and moves forward with the tender process.

Source: Buletin Mutiara