He said SRS Consortium, as the main contractor for the first segment of the project, brings extensive expertise gained from their early involvement, which included conducting technical studies and obtaining essential approvals.
“Construction work is expected to begin in the second or third quarter of the year.
“SRS Consortium will commence early work as soon as possible while awaiting the approval of development orders from local authorities.
“MRT Corp and the transport ministry have exercised due diligence to ensure the federal government’s allocation is used optimally to secure the best value for this significant investment,” Loke said at the signing ceremony of the civil main contract package for the Mutiara LRT line here.
The proposed Mutiara LRT line is set to be built in two phases, with the first running 29km and connecting Komtar and Bayan Lepas with a total of 21 stations.
The line is expected to open in 2031, with an estimated cost of RM13 billion.
The second phase will see a link from the proposed Macallum station on the island to Penang Sentral in Butterworth via an over-the-sea rail bridge.
Open tender for phase two in July
Loke said the bidding process for the second phase of the Mutiara LRT project is expected to begin in July through an open tender.
“The cross-channel link will be 6km-long and involves constructing a 3.2km sea viaduct with navigational spans that allow ships and ferries to sail smoothly to the ports in Prai and Butterworth,” he said.
Loke added that the rail bridge would enhance connectivity between the island and Seberang Perai, helping to ease traffic congestion by providing a more efficient alternative mode of transport for the people.
The third segment of the project, which involves the award of a turnkey system contract, would cover the design, procurement, construction, testing and maintenance of the rail system.
Loke said the first tender briefing held on Dec 12, 2024 in Penang received a “very positive response” from local and international stakeholders.
He added that the open tender officially opened on Dec 13 last year and would close for submission on April 14, 2025.