MRT Corp awards RM2.69bil contract for Mutiara Line LRT project

 The Civil Main Contract 2 package covers the line’s extension from Macallum Street on Penang island to Penang Sentral in Butterworth.

It was previously reported that the Penang Mutiara Line MRT project was on track to begin operations in 2031. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has awarded the RM2.69 billion Civil Main Contract 2 (CMC2) package to a joint venture between China Communications Construction Company, TRC Construction Sdn Bhd and Ufuk Semarak Sdn Bhd.

CMC2 covers the design and construction of an approximately 5.5km extension of the Penang Mutiara Line from Macallum Street to Penang Sentral in Butterworth, including a 3.05km sea-crossing bridge.

MRT Corp said the bridge would have navigational spans to accommodate vessels accessing the ports of Prai and Butterworth.

“The extension will provide a direct rail connection between Penang island and Seberang Perai, bringing the benefits of the Mutiara Line to communities on both sides of the strait.

“The journey between Komtar and Penang Sentral is expected to take approximately eight minutes, offering commuters a convenient and reliable alternative for travelling between the island and mainland,” it said in a statement.

The rail operator said construction progress on the 22-station Mutiara Line LRT project had reached 16%, with work firmly on schedule.

It was previously reported that the project was on track to begin operations in 2031. - FMT