KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): MRT Corp has awarded a RM2.69 billion contract to a joint venture comprising China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), TRC Construction and Ufuk Semarak for the construction of the Penang LRT Mutiara Line's cross-sea extension linking Penang Island to the mainland.
The Civil Main Contract 2 (CMC2) package covers the design and construction of a 5.5km extension from Macallum on Penang Island to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai, including a 3.05km bridge across the sea.
The extension will provide a direct rail connection between the island and mainland, allowing passengers to interchange with KTM train services, ferries and buses at Penang Sentral.
The journey between Komtar and Penang Sentral is expected to take about eight minutes, MRT Corp said in a statement on Thursday.
The company said construction of the LRT Mutiara Line is on schedule at 16% completion.
MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said the contract is an important step towards improving public transport connectivity in Penang.
"With CMC2 now awarded, we are taking an important step towards fulfilling that aspiration. Our responsibility is to deliver not just the infrastructure, but the lasting benefits it promises to the people," he said.
The cross-sea bridge will also include sections designed to allow vessels to pass through to the ports of Prai and Butterworth.
MRT Corp said it is working with the authorities to minimise disruptions to motorists and ensure public safety during construction.