Penang Mutiara LRT Construction Kicks Off Jan 2026

Construction for Penang’s Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit is set to kick off in Jan 2026 and will run straight through, including Chinese New Year and Aidilfitri. 

Officials say the timeline is tight, aiming for completion by Dec 2031, and any delays could trigger contract penalties.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said traffic management plans are ready to keep road users safe and traffic flowing despite higher vehicle volumes during festive periods.

The 29.5-kilometre line will feature 21 stations from George Town to Permatang Damar Laut, with park-and-ride facilities, feeder buses, and two main depots. 

"MRTC has prepared detailed traffic management plans for each station, approved by the Penang Island City Council, and they are being rolled out in stages at the busiest construction spots," Zairil said.

SRS Consortium, the main contractor for Package One, highlighted three hotspots expected to see the most impact which are Jalan Magazine, the Sunny Point junction in Batu Uban, and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.

Mitigation measures include diversions, alternative routes, and monthly reviews to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible.

Commuters are encouraged to follow the project’s website, social media, and navigation apps like Waze for updates and real-time traffic information.