GEORGE TOWN: The state government expects physical works for the construction of the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project to begin in September or October this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the physical works would begin after the final details of the project were discussed and reached between SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd and MRT Corp.
"Works are expected to start in September or October, which is after a period of six months, for SRS and MRT Corp to finalise the route alignment, scope of work and other details.
"The state government welcomes the announcement by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
"This is only the beginning. A lot more work will follow (after this). Even in his (Transport Minister Anthony Loke's) previous visit, he had voiced his wish that the project would start in the third or fourth quarter of this year," he told newsmen here today.
The cabinet had approved the Penang LRT project during a meeting on March 22.
Loke, at a press conference today, said the decision meant that the federal government would take over oversight of the Penang Mutiara Line LRT from the state government.
Chow said although the project had been announced to proceed by the federal government, it would still take time before the technical works begin.
He said, currently, Tapak Pesta in Sungai Nibong here has been identified as the location of the depot and the Penang government had suggested another depot be built at the Penang Silicon Island project site.
"As for the Tanjung Bungah to Komtar line, we hope it will be built in the next phase," he added.
The Penang Mutiara Line LRT, which is targeted to operate in 2030, starts from Penang Silicon Island to Komtar, then across to Penang Sentral in Seberang Prai.
The distance is estimated to be about 29km with 20 stations, including two interchange stations at Komtar Station and Penang Sentral Station.