THE RM30mil upgrade to the Butterworth Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) station is set to kick off soon, with a 2029 completion date.
Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project, which was announced in November last year, included a new paid waiting area (access with ticket), additional escalators, multi-level lobbies, and covered drop-off and pick-up zones.
He said escalators would be added for Platforms 1 to 4, along with an upper foyer with escalators, a lower foyer with a waiting terrace and a covered pick-up area.
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Zairil said the upgrades were aimed at improving passenger comfort and supporting Butterworth station’s role as a key gateway for ETS, intercity and northern peninsula rail services.
Meanwhile, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), which operates the ferry services, said two service disruptions were reported in recent months.
It said the first incident in November involved an electrical issue on board Ferry Teluk Duyung, which was addressed and resolved the same day.
The second incident arose from a technical issue with the main engine of another ferry.
“Rectification work is currently in progress and is expected to be completed in due course.
“The issues were isolated cases and are not recurring issues,” PPSB said, without disclosing the name of the other ferry or progress of repair.
Addressing concerns over passenger flow within the ferry terminal in Butterworth, which some users described as indirect and unnecessarily long, PPSB said accessibility and operational needs were factored into the layout.
“The current layout takes into account both operational and safety requirements for ground-level new ferry operations.
“The overall walking distances are within acceptable standards and are not longer compared to the pre-upgrading arrangement.
“The terminal layout is intended to balance passenger comfort, accessibility and operational efficiency,” PPSB said.
On further upgrades to the Raja Tun Uda terminal within George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site, which traders and users have described its entrance as rundown and outdated, PPSB said major improvements had already been completed under the same upgrading programme.
“The Raja Tun Uda terminal was upgraded together with Sultan Abdul Halim terminal between 2022 and 2023.
“Certain areas within and around the terminal that are not directly required for ferry operations have been leased to third parties for complementary development, such as retail and food and beverage uses.
“These initiatives are intended to better utilise available space and support an improved passenger environment, without affecting core ferry services,” PPSB said. — By LO TERN CHERN
