Maran Perianen
MRT Corp has awarded a RM2.69 billion contract for the Penang LRT cross-sea extension. The package links Macallum on Penang Island to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. The award follows the state’s plan to start the Penang Sentral link in 2027.
MRT Corp announced the award on Thursday, The Edge Malaysia reported. A joint venture won the Civil Main Contract 2 package. It groups China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), TRC Construction and Ufuk Semarak. The package covers the design and construction of the extension.
Overall, here is what the contract covers, where the project stands and what it means for commuters.
What the contract covers
The extension runs about 5.5km, including a 3.05km sea-crossing bridge. A trip from Komtar to Penang Sentral is expected to take about eight minutes. At Penang Sentral, passengers can change to KTM trains, ferries and buses.
The bridge will have navigation spans for vessels heading to the ports of Prai and Butterworth, Free Malaysia Today reported. However, no clearance height or span length was given.
In addition, TRC Synergy Bhd said it holds a 30% interest in the joint venture, according to EdgeProp. Moreover, the same report described it as a five-year contract. The stakes of CCCC and Ufuk Semarak were not stated.
This is the second civil package. The first, worth RM550.8 million, went to SRS Consortium for viaducts and stations, the report said.
Where the Penang LRT project stands
MRT Corp said construction of the Mutiara Line has reached 16% and remains on schedule. Still, the figure covers the whole line, not this package, and no date was given for it. Operations are due to start in 2031.
MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim called the award an important step for public transport in Penang. He said the aim is to deliver “not just the infrastructure, but the lasting benefits it promises to the people”.
Meanwhile, work on this link has not started. Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari gave a start date. Construction is due to begin in the third quarter of 2027.
Zairil said the alignment is targeted for completion by December 2031. That is in tandem with the section from Silicon Island to Komtar. He gave the timeline in a written reply to the state assembly on 4 November.
Likewise, preparatory work is already visible on the island. MRT Corp plans a depot at Sungai Nibong. As a result, Pesta Pulau Pinang left the site for this year’s edition.
What it means for commuters
The rail operator said the extension will provide a direct rail connection between Penang island and Seberang Perai. It added that it is working with the authorities to minimise disruption to motorists.
It also aims to keep the public safe during construction. Therefore, drivers near the approaches should expect works in the years ahead.
Under the revised scheme announced in February, Penang Sentral gets about 1,000 more parking bays, EdgeProp said.
However, the reports give no ridership forecast or fares. Penang is also testing other ways to ease congestion, such as its AI city initiative.
In short, the Penang LRT cross-sea extension has moved from planning to a contractor, but trains are still years away. Watch MRT Corp’s updates for the start of works.
Amirull Salihing
C. Khor
Sashidaran Gunathevan
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