Silicon Island’s LRT depot takes shape

30 Nov 2024 | The Star

An aerial view of the ongoing reclamation works on Silicon Island. (Inset) Officials checking the progress on-site.

The land designated for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) Depot on Silicon Island is steadily emerging above water, with the reclamation now approaching the 28ha mark.

This depot will be a pivotal part of the island’s transportation network, supporting the ambitious 70:30 public-private transportation mode split aimed at promoting green mobility.

The initiative is also integral to achieving Silicon Island’s vision of a “15-minute city,” where residents can access essential services within a short walk or cycle.

“Silicon Island is designed as a mobility-centric place that does away with the need for private cars as far as possible, which will substantially pave the way to a low-carbon city,” said Farizan.

Comprehensive transport

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that the planned LRT project would include 21 stations, with 20 located on Penang Island and Silicon Island, and one at Penang Sentral on the mainland.

“The Mutiara Line LRT project, to be developed by MRT Corporation, will connect passengers to Seberang Perai from the Macallum Street station.

“The line will provide seamless connectivity for commuters travelling between the island and mainland, ensuring an integrated and efficient public transport system for Penangites,” said Zairil.

All of the planned stations will be elevated, and the proposed alignment for the Mutiara Line will start from Silicon Island and head north to several stations – namely Permatang Damar Laut, Penang International Airport, Sungai Tiram, the South Free Industrial Zone, Free Industrial Zone, Jalan Tengah, Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE), Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Sungai Dua, Batu Uban, Jalan Universiti, Gelugor, Penang Waterfront, East Jelutong, Sungai Pinang, Bandar Sri Pinang, Macallum Street and Komtar.

Zairil further emphasised the strategic value of Silicon Island, noting that its inclusion in the LRT alignment, along with the depot located there, would significantly enhance accessibility and support sustainable urban mobility for the southern region of Penang Island.

A vision of sustainable urban planning

Spanning 931ha off the coast of Bayan Lepas near the Penang International Airport, Silicon Island’s design is centred on principles of environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practices.

This state-owned development aims to set a new standard for city planning in Malaysia, creating a highly liveable, sustainable and modern urban space.

Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus explained that the development would be monitored by a dedicated city management unit, adhering to specially crafted Urban Design Guidelines to avoid haphazard growth.

Zairil: The Mutiara Line LRT project will provide seamless connectivity for commuters travelling between the island and mainland, ensuring an integrated and efficient public transport system for Penangites.

The company is the state’s special purpose vehicle set up to oversee the Silicon Island project.

“This is especially important for Penang’s long-term survival as corporations are increasingly looking to be associated only with places, systems or governance structures to ensure genuine sustainable growth,” he said.

“Silicon Island, which can be ready for topside development by 2027, is designed as a mobility-centric place that does away with the need for private cars as far as possible, which will substantially pave the way to a low-carbon city through the facilitation of cycling, walking and other forms of low-impact mobility devices typically running on electricity.

“This is where the concept of a 15-minute city comes in – a residential urban concept in which most daily needs can be met by either walking or cycling from residents’ homes,” Farizan added.

AJC Planning Consultants Sdn Bhd director Ahmad Jefri Clyde – who is the principal planner for developments on Silicon Island – explained that this form of “human-scale” township would naturally be vibrant, interaction-friendly and connected by good public transport, alongside cycling infrastructure for the slightly longer trips that people may make.

“If you live on Silicon Island, it’s possible to get to work, shops and parks within 15 minutes, either by walking, cycling or using public transport.

“This is unlike any other project in Malaysia at this point in time,” he said.

Integrated public transport and green mobility

Central to this goal is the Mutiara Line LRT, which will provide seamless connectivity from Silicon Island to George Town’s Komtar, integrating the development into Penang’s broader public transport framework.

The LRT depot on Silicon Island, strategically situated due to the limited availability of land elsewhere in Penang, is a key feature enabling this transformation.

The depot and the overall transit infrastructure are essential to the state’s goal of achieving a 70:30 modal share in favour of public transportation, a significant shift from the current car-dominated landscape.

The island’s green transport strategy also includes autonomous trams, buses and electric water taxis, operating within and around the development.

The waterways, collectively forming a 5km canal network, will facilitate electric water taxis, creating a blue network that complements the island’s green initiatives.

This integrated approach aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower transport-related emissions by 44% compared to a “business-as-usual” scenario.

LRT-ready

As announced in early November by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the LRT project is expected to commence next year.

Loke said that negotiations on the project, including its final design and detailed costs, were in the final phase and expected to be completed by the year-end.