Penang LRT project
Penang has everything one would need for a fun, short vacation – top-notch hawker food, charming cafes, and gorgeous heritage buildings. The one thing that crops up as a slight drawback when exploring the island is the need for more public transportation.
But it seems that this will be less of a concern in the coming years. It was just announced that the construction for the LRT line in Penang is set to begin in early 2024, with an estimated completion period of 5 years for its first phase.
Underground & undersea LRT stations
Image credit: The Star
The Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project faced several delays ever since it was proposed. But recent updates is sparking a glimmer of hope to see the project finally pulling through.
Conceived by the Penang state government in 2015, the proposed Bayan Lepas LRT line was envisioned to enhance connectivity between the city centre of George Town and the industrial area of Bayan Lepas.
Image credit: Hotels.com
A total of 27 stations are expected to be built, with 19 of them located along a 22km stretch of the island, and another eight planned for the three proposed islands to be reclaimed off the southern coast.
The main LRT line will be located near Komtar in George Town, linking it to the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas on the southern part of the island. After the Federal Government took over the implementation, It was then announced that the route would extend to Tanjung Bungah as well.
Image credit: Penang Transport Master Plan
According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, a number of the proposed LRT stations will be built underground and underneath the city centre of George Town. One of these underground stations will serve as a major interchange for a future undersea train line that links the island to a large area of Seberang Perai, from Kepala Batas to Simpang Empat.
Image credit: Penang Transport Master Plan
Following the latest presentation by the transport ministry and MRT Corp on 17th August 2023, the details of the LRT project are being finalised and contractors will soon be assigned to it by the end of 2023. Transport Minister Anthony Loke addressed the estimated timeline of the project that is expected to begin early next year and with estimated completion in the next five years.
LRT project in Penang set for completion in 2028
In a city that’s notorious for its ferocious drivers, this piece of update on Penang’s LRT project comes as a delight for both locals and tourists alike.
As a pivotal endeavour poised to shape the transportation landscape of Penang, such urban development is a beacon of innovation that’ll help proper Penang further as a notable tourist destination and make it even more convenient for everyone to travel around the state.
For more news, check out Doulos Hope extending its visit in Penang till 27th August, and Mitsui Outlet Park to open in Penang in 4 years.
Cover image adapted from: Hotels.com
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