KUALA LUMPUR: MRT Corp has awarded a RM2.69 billion contract to a joint venture comprising China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), TRC Construction and Ufuk Semarak to build the cross-sea extension of the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line.
The Civil Main Contract 2 (CMC2) covers the design and construction of a 5.5km rail extension connecting Macallum on Penang Island to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai. The project includes a 3.05km bridge across the sea.
The extension is expected to improve connectivity between the island and mainland by providing passengers with a direct rail link to Penang Sentral, where they can interchange with KTM train services, ferries and buses.
MRT Corp said in a statement yesterday that the journey between Komtar and Penang Sentral is expected to take about eight minutes once the extension is operational.
The company added that construction of the overall Mutiara Line project remains on schedule, with progress reaching 16%.
MRT Corp chief executive Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said the award marked an important milestone in efforts to improve public transport connectivity across Penang.
"With CMC2 now awarded, we are taking an important step towards fulfilling that aspiration. Our responsibility is to deliver not just the infrastructure, but the lasting benefits it promises to the people," he said.
The cross-sea bridge will also incorporate designated sections to allow vessels to navigate through to the ports of Prai and Butterworth.
MRT Corp said it is coordinating with the relevant authorities to minimise traffic disruptions and maintain public safety throughout the construction period.