Penang Mutiara Line LRT Won’t Be Like Kelana Jaya LRT

Following cabinet approval of the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which will begin construction this year, the Penang state government will collaborate with Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) to explore a 'low- to medium-capacity' system.

This system, according to State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, will differ from the Kelana Jaya LRT Line. Said line is a high-capacity system accommodating 15,000 to 30,000 passengers per hour one way which would not be suitable for the island state.

He further added that for the Penang Mutiara Line LRT, they would instead opt for a scalable system that can start with approximately two-car trains and expand to three- or four-car trains in the future if needed. The line would also include the use of adequate electricity resources, with each station being connected to a Traction Power Substation (TPSS) to supply power to the train system.

He further commented that the selection of the appropriate mode of transport will align with projected passenger needs and the cost of development and operation relative to financial capacity. Additionally, to optimise infrastructure development costs, the government is also considering modular construction to accommodate both current and future requirements.

The Penang Mutiara Line LRT will run from Silicon Island to Komtar and then on to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai, connecting to the existing KTM Komuter and ETS railway lines. This route spans 29 km long and contains 20 stops, including crucial interchange points at Komtar and Penang Sentral stations.