GEORGE TOWN: Penang is a step closer to having a cable car system traversing the channel between the island and the mainland, as the project has received a nod from the Department of Environment (DoE).
State Public Works, Utility and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said the DoE has granted its approval for a detailed environment impact assessment (DEIA) and the project developer, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB), will draught a detailed design plan.
"The design (for the 3-km link) will involve pylon positioning for cabling structure and landing points on the island and the mainland for the cable car.
"The project – named the Penang Sky Cab – is on track for completion in 2018," Lim said yesterday, adding that the project is a state government-initiated undertaking led by MRCB.
He said the design plan is expected to be drawn up in phases over the next year, adding that DEIA approval was granted on Sept 2.
MRCB, via its wholly-owned unit Penang Sentral Sdn Bhd (PSSB), is undertaking a detailed study to determine the functionalities and design parameters of a proposed light rail transport service, or Sky Cab, linking the island and the mainland.
The Penang Sky Cab cable car system will connect Penang Sentral in Butterworth with Gat Lebuh Noordin on the island.
It will serve as an aerial link across the Penang channel and decrease dependence on automobiles.
The proposed 3-km link is expected to cater to 1,000 passengers per hour, per direction.