In expressing hope that physical work on the project could start before the end of the year, he said the finalised alignment was as proposed by Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

“The alignment was finalised after various discussions were conducted with all parties concerned.

“The Penang government agreed with the alignment proposed by MRT Corp, with the passenger station to start from Bayan Lepas to Komtar and one line to Butterworth (Penang Sentral).

“Pulau Silikon will serve as a depot. Now we are discussing and evaluating with the main contractor with the hope that physical work can start before the end of the year as has been scheduled,” he told reporters after opening the Seafarers and Lighthouse Day at Straits Quay here today.

On March 29, Loke announced that the federal government had taken over the Penang LRT project from the state government, with MRT Corp appointed as the developer and asset owner.

Airport expansion

Meanwhile, commenting on the development of the Penang International Airport expansion work at Bayan Lepas near here, Loke said the tender for the first package has been closed.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is making a selection of the contractors.

Loke said the expansion project involved three packages.

The first package involved shifting the control tower and increasing the capacity of the terminal from 6.5 million passengers a year to 12 million passengers a year.

Loke was previously reported as saying that the project will commence in the second or third quarter of this year and is expected to be completed within three to four years.

It will be financed by MAHB through a financial mechanism agreed upon with the finance ministry.