THE upcoming integrated transit-oriented development in Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, Penang, will be similar to Kuala Lumpur Sentral, says Zairil Khir Johari.
The state infrastructure and transport committee chairman said the project would generate additional non-fare revenue crucial for future maintenance of Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT).
The development was, however, still at the initial stage.
“It would be more like KL Sentral actually. So far, there are no details yet as discussions have yet to start,” he told StarMetro.
KL Sentral, which opened in April 2001, was designed to be a business and financial hub for the capital city comprising the transport hub, hotels, office towers, condominiums and shopping centres.
The Mutiara Line, Penang’s first LRT system, will now have 21 stops, including two interchange stations at Komtar and Penang Sentral.
The original Mutiara Line was 28.43km long and had 22 stations, including Jalan Gurdwara Station. However, after discussions, this station was removed.
On March 29, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Federal Government had taken over the Penang LRT project from the state government, with Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp appointed as developer and asset owner.
The Penang government agreed with the alignment proposed by MRT Corp, with passenger stations from Bayan Lepas to Komtar and one line to Butterworth (Penang Sentral).
The stations are Silicon Island, Permatang Damar Laut, Penang International Airport (PIA), Sungai Tiram, FIZ Selatan, FIZ, Jalan Tengah, SPICE, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Sungai Dua, Batu Uban, Jalan Universiti, Gelugor, The Light, Jelutong Timur, Sungai Pinang, Solok Sungai Pinang, Komtar, Macallum and Penang Sentral. — By LO TERN CHERN
