GEORGE TOWN: The proposed cross channel light rail transit (LRT) link, connecting Penang island and Butterworth, may be an undersea link.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this was among the proposals by MRT Corp, following the latest briefing about the project by the Corporation in the presence of Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Komtar here today.
"MRT Corp had proposed the cross channel link to be undersea, which will be connected to an underground interchange, right in the heart of George Town city.
"However, all this is subject to a feasibility study and its suitability," he told newsmen after opening the Signature Gold and Jewellery Fair at Setia Spice Convention Centre today.
During a visit to Penang in May, Loke had announced that work on phase one of Penang's first LRT project was expected to begin at the end of this year.
Elaborating, Chow said the state government had agreed to have some of the LRT stations built underground instead of elevated, especially near the city centre here.
"We discussed the LRT project due to the presence of MRT Corp. They discussed the latest alignment for our consideration and we agreed with the alignment.
"Nevertheless, MRT Corp still needs to conduct feasibility of the alignment, especially in relation to the earth and soil conditions. They also need to conduct research, including the depots and segments that need to be underground," he added, noting that there had not been much changes to the alignment.
As announced before, the alignment would be from Bayan Lepas to Komtar to Tanjung Bungah, Air Itam to Butterworth to Kepala Batas and to Simpang Ampat.
During a visit to the state, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said that the federal government had agreed to provide additional funds to the Penang government to expedite the development of the LRT project in the state.
He had acknowledged that traffic congestion had been a longstanding issue in Penang and that the state was in need of a LRT system as a solution.
Anwar had said that he would hold a discussion with the Penang government soon to find a solution and decide how to fund the project.