Chow said public transport could not provide a complete solution to traffic woes as private vehicles also needed proper roads.

He said he had consistently promoted public transport, but infrastructure projects such as the RM50 million underpass could not be overlooked.

“Otherwise, traffic congestion will persist,” he said. “Without the underpass, the current traffic situation will persist for decades. Building it will bring at least some improvement,” he said.

He also said the Halcrow transport master plan which the state government adopted in 2013 must be updated regularly to reflect population growth, new developments and urban expansion.

Chow’s comments came a day after experts and activists criticised Penang’s traffic issues as self-inflicted, citing the state’s reliance on car-centric infrastructure.

The state is seeking federal funds under the 13th Malaysia Plan to build the underpass. The original plan was to have the city council underwrite the cost.