Penang LRT: MRT Corp and SRS Konsortium in final negotiation phase

GEORGE TOWN: The Mutiara Line light rail transit (LRT) project will begin as soon as contract negotiations between Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) as the implementing agency and contractor SRS Konsortium are concluded. finalized.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said both parties were currently in the final stages of finalization and were confident that the project could start as planned, i.e. say before the end of 2024.

“I attended a meeting with MRT Corp and the latest status informed me that they are currently finalizing negotiations with the SRS Konsortium.

“I believe SRS Konsortium has also sent its latest proposal, and when all contract negotiations are finalized, then work can begin,” he told reporters after the Penang Go Digital Carnival press conference at Komtar here Wednesday (October 23).

Zairil said MRT Corp has also identified several locations to hold the inauguration ceremony, but is studying the suitability of each location taking into account logistics and traffic.

“As soon as the groundbreaking ceremony takes place in any unhindered location, that is, without obstacles, for example on government land, without squatters, it is clear that it can begin. It will start simultaneously in several places, not in one place,” he said.

Previously, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the date for the groundbreaking work would only be announced by the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) after the signing of an agreement between MRT Corp and SRS Konsortium regarding the construction of the road for the first segment from Silicon. Island in Komtar.

On March 29, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the federal government had formally taken over the Penang Pearl Line LRT project from the state government, with MRT Corp named as the developer and owner of the assets.

The project procurement is divided into three main components, which relate to civil construction works for Segment I, which is the line connecting Silicon Island to Komtar; civil construction works for Segment 2, which is the Komtar to Penang Sentral alignment and turnkey contract for system and transportation works on a build-maintain-transfer (BMT) basis.

The Penang LRT is also among the projects announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Budget 2025 on October 18. Apart from the Juru and Sungai Dua elevated highway projects, the Penang International Airport Expansion (LTAPP) and Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 project in Penang. – Bernama