MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim.
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) is targeting to launch the open tender for the proposed bridge portion of Penang’s Light Rail Transit or LRT Mutiara Line project this October.
Chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said the design stage has been completed and the company is awaiting approval from the relevant authorities.
“The bridge design has been carefully developed to provide maximum flexibility for the port industry in Penang to grow, especially considering the economic significance of the sector alongside tourism.
“We have held discussions with the Penang Port Commission to ensure the rail bridge will not obstruct maritime routes,” he told reporters here yesterday.
Mohd Zarif said the design of the bridge would take into account shipping lanes, as the port is the lifeline for the future of the state.
He said the possibility of the Penang Port being upgraded into a full-fledged container port, both at the North Port and South Port, should be considered.
The proposed bridge alignment would span between the North and South ports in Butterworth, necessitating careful long-term planning. — Bernama
