MRT Corp CEO Zarif Hashim said the design stage had been completed and the company is now waiting for approval from the authorities, reported Bernama.

Zarif said the proposed alignment would cross between the northern and southern sections of the port area in Butterworth, necessitating careful long-term planning to accommodate future port expansion.

He said the design of the bridge would take into account the possibility that Penang Port might be upgraded into a full-fledged container port.

“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 together with tourism.

“We have held discussions with the Penang Port Commission to ensure the rail bridge will not obstruct maritime routes,” he told reporters in George Town today.

He explained that at 62 metres above sea level, the bridge would be taller than the original Penang Bridge, which is 33 metres above sea level.

Fencing will be installed along the bridge, which will also feature a pedestrian crossing linking Butterworth to Komtar on the island, said Zarif.

Looking ahead, Zarif said that MRT Corp envisions the need for four LRT lines covering both Penang Island and Seberang Perai to deliver full connectivity and long-term transport efficiency.

Penang’s LRT line will span 29.5km overall with 21 stations linking a reclaimed island near the airport to Komtar and onward via a cross-channel bridge to Butterworth.

MRT Corp has pegged the full cost at RM13 billion, with completion targeted by 2031.

The line is projected to serve up to 60,000 daily riders in its early years, with long-term ridership reaching 168,000.

The federal government, through MRT Corp, took over the LRT project from the Penang government in March 2024.