The Bayan Lepas LRT is the proposed Penang light rail transit system that will connect Georgetown in the north of the island to the airport at Bayan Lepas in the south. The LRT is part of the overall Penang Transport Masterplan that would build new LRT, monorail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and tram systems across the state of Penang.
The LRT was publicly proposed in 2014, and in 2015 it was announced that work would begin in 2018. The railway was initially a 17.5km elevated line from Komtar to the Penang International Airport. Since then the proposed line has been extended south to include the Penang South Islands project, making the line 29.9 km in length with 27 stations.
After the inevitable delays that happen with first city transit lines, work was expected to begin in 2020. Then 2020 happened. A combination of factors has delayed and confused the status of the project, including the effect of the coronavirus on the economy. The LRT has been controversial enough, with doubts about projected passenger numbers being raised. To add to the controversy, the fortunes of the line have been tied to the fate of the even more controversial South Islands development. The sale of land on the artificial islands is expected to pay for the line.
To add to the drama, the Malaysian government collapsed in 2020, and by the end of the year the new government had withdrawn the loan guarantee for the project. The MP for Bukit Mertajam in Penang called this a political vendetta, though the government denies this is the case.
The map below shows the stations and locations, though so far there are few details of what the stations will look like. The northern terminus at Komtar is on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site buffer zone (an elevated railway is not allowed in the historic area). The Komtar area has already begun rejuvenation, such as the nearby Seven Streets Precinct. Property developers have pre-empted the LRT by building near proposed stations. Read more about other property developments on the Future Penang page.
Bayan Lepas LRT Map
[Bayan Lepas LRT – Official map by Penang State Government.]
Links and resources
Penang Transport Masterplan – Official government website featuring the LRT and other proposed transport projects.
Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit Project – Environmental Impact Assessment Report – [July 2017]
Zairil Khir Johari – Penang: Charting a sustainable future – [27/11/19]
“An integrated and holistic plan to solve the main threats to Penang’s sustainable growth. Penang: Charting a Sustainable Future By Zairil Khir Johari 31 October 2019.”
PENANG LRT LINE | Bayan Lepas – Komtar – News and discussion at skyscrapercity.com.
News Archive
2023
Penang LRT project not a viable dream: PRM – [31/05/23]
“The Federal and Penang governments have been told not to gamble on the state’s first light rail transit (LRT) speculative business venture, which is expected to begin works at the end of this year.”
Bold new train line plan for Penang – [31/05/23]
“According to the original PTMP plan, the 7km LRT line with eight stations will run from Komtar, along Jalan Burma, then Jalan Larut, followed by Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah by the sea till Gurney Drive, and onward to Jalan Tanjung Tokong.
And now, it has been extended until Tanjung Bungah, but the exact location of the end station has not been finalised.”
Phase 1 of Penang LRT will now stretch from airport to Tanjung Bungah – [30/05/23]
“Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that after reviewing the project’s proposal, MRT Corp felt the route should go all the way there, covering 29km with 27 stations.”
Penang LRT project set to start by year-end – [30/05/23]
LRT not the best form of transport on this small island, says PRM – [22/05/23]
Solve Penang’s congestion with more buses – not expensive overhead rail line – [20/05/23]
“Expand the bus service and increase its frequency to make it more efficient and comprehensive.”
‘Die, die’ Penang must have ‘LRT’ – Really? – [16/05/23]
“Why not spend just RM600m and make some dramatic improvements NOW – instead of waiting 10 years for an ‘LRT’ line to be completed.’
Finance, Transport Ministries to discuss funding models for Penang LRT project – [12/05/23]
Analysts call for more clarity on funds for Penang LRT – [08/05/23]
“Federal government funding for LRT project raises questions on fate of Penang South Islands project.”
Penang LRT a financial albatross, Putrajaya warned – [08/05/23]
“Civil society groups urge the federal government to reconsider the rail project it just agreed to fund, and scrap a massive reclamation project.”
‘Penang LRT’: Be careful what you wish for! – [07/05/23]
“If you are a Penang resident, surely you will know that a mere 22km of overhead light rail will not be able to ease traffic jams meaningfully.”
Anwar gains political points by funding Penang LRT, says analyst – [07/05/23]
“The decision is expected to counteract dissatisfaction over the environmental impact of the massive Penang South Islands reclamation project.”
Putrajaya to provide additional funds for Penang LRT, says PM – [06/05/23]
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the Penang South Islands project will be scaled down, having listened to the grouses of locals and fishermen affected.”
PM: Govt to free up funds for LRT project in Penang – [06/05/23]
Penang in discussions with Putrajaya to fund its Bayan Lepas LRT project – [30/03/23]
Zairil: Penang planning to implement BLLRT to meet future transportation needs – [06/03/23]
“The Penang government is planning to implement components of the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (BLLRT) project to ensure that it can meet future transportation needs to support the state’s economic development in addition to solving the problem of traffic congestion.”
2022
Bayan Lepas LRT construction expected to start in Q4 2023 – [21/10/22]
Bayan Lepas LRT project: 8 submissions from local, international consortiums – [21/10/22]
Penang prefers LRT but is open to other rail types – [13/09/22]
It’s federal red tape that derailed Penang LRT project – [12/09/22]
Go for autonomous road tram, scrap Penang LRT ‘dream’ – [11/09/22]
Penang committed to implementing Komtar-Bayan Lepas LRT project, says CM – [06/09/22]
EIA nod key to Penang LRT line’s green light – [13/08/22]
“The federal government’s nod for Penang’s first LRT line hinges on the environment department’s approval for reclamation of an island, according to the transport ministry.”
Penang extends deadline for RM9.5bil LRT project bids – [11/08/22]
Penang announces Bayan Lepas LRT pre-qualification stage [NSTTV] – [20/07/22]
Bus rapid transit better for Penang – [16/07/22]
MCA: Penang should choose BRT instead of LRT – [13/07/22]
Penang to roll out the LRT – [04/06/22]
Penang to open LRT project for proposals in Q3 2022 – [03/06/22]
“The Penang state government will issue a request for proposal (RFP) by the third quarter of this year for implementation of its Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) scheme.”
2021
Penang to study RFP on building LRT next year – [01/12/21]
Penang may go with LRT alone if reclamation project scrapped – [01/12/21]
Transport Ministry denies cancelling Penang govt infrastructure projects – [09/01/21]
“Regarding the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project from Bayan Lepas to Komtar, the ministry said it did not cancel the project as claimed, but the Penang government had yet to hand over the final approved Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Department of Environment and the Rural and Urban Planning Department (PLAN Malaysia) to the Land Public Transport Department (APAD).”
Penang LRT project possible via public-private partnership – [07/01/21]
Penang DAP launches petition campaign to reinstate infrastructure projects cancelled by Putrajaya – [07/01/21]
“Penang DAP today launched a mass signature campaign to demand four major infrastructure projects in the state be reinstated by the federal government.”
2020
Why Penang needs LRT – [02/12/20]
By Joshua Woo, a former councillor with Seberang Perai City Council.
Penang seeks fund for LRT after federal govt’s rejection – [02/12/20]
Penang to push ahead with LRT project, says Chow – [01/12/20]
Penang LRT project to go on with other financing options, says Chow – [01/12/20]
“Penang will not give up on its proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) project despite Putrajaya withdrawing its guarantee, said Chow Kon Yeow.”
No political vendetta in Penang LRT project loan guarantee move, says Finance Minister – [30/11/20]
Cancelling RM2bil Penang LRT loan guarantee despicable: MP Steven Sim – [28/11/20]
Media statement by Steven Sim, MP for Bukit Mertajam.
Putrajaya withdraws guarantee to finance Penang LRT – [28/11/20]
“The Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government is not going to provide a guarantee for a RM2.04 billion loan application by the Penang state government for its light rail transit (LRT) project.”
Year-end decision on Penang LRT project, assembly told – [12/10/20]
Project delivery partner master agreement for PTMP inked – [01/07/20]
“The project delivery partner for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), SRS Consortium, will have to prepare and present the financial architecture plan for the PTMP to the Penang government within a month.”
Mega projects in Penang to go ahead – [20/06/20]
“For the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, the model has always been to pay for the infrastructure project via a land reclamation.”
PTMP: Construction work on LRT, PIL, PSR to begin by Q4 2020, says Chow – [13/02/20]
“The Penang government expects the construction work on the light rail transit (LRT), Pan Island Link (PIL) and Penang South Reclamation (PSR) projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to begin by the fourth quarter of this year.”
Penang Bayan Lepas LRT – moving people or moving goalposts? – [12/01/20]
“Flawed thinking by government decision-makers will lead to white elephant projects, a ruined environment and a massive debt burden to future generations, says Khoo Salma Nasution.”
2019
Gamuda expects first Bayan Lepas LRT package award by mid-2020 – [05/12/19]
“Gamuda Bhd, which is building the proposed Komtar-Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Penang, expects the first package to be awarded by the middle of 2020.”
Penang LRT to lose RM11 mil in first year, to break even in its 5th year – [08/11/19]
Penang’s Bayan Lepas LRT: Glorious legacy or white elephant project? – [22/10/19]
LRT the most suitable public transport option for Penang – [31/07/19]
Public inspection of Penang LRT plan from Aug 19 – [27/07/19]
“A three-month public inspection of plans for the state’s Light-Rail Transit project will be held from Aug 19.”
Green light given – [18/07/19]
“Waves of excitement swept through Penang when the Transport Minister announced that the Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT) has received conditional approval.”
Penang to apply federal funding for LRT project – [26/07/19]
Penang LRT project to start next year – [16/04/19]
“Construction of the proposed Komtar-Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, part of Penang’s multi-billion ringgit Transport Master Plan (PTMP), is expected to begin next year.”
Penang CM denies report LRT, highway projects to start June 2020 – [08/04/19]
“Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has denied a report that construction of the island’s light rail transit (LRT) and Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) will begin in June next year.”
2018
Penang to consider trackless alternative to LRT – [30/09/18]
“Penang will study a proposal to build a trackless Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) as an alternative to the proposed light rail transit (LRT) in its mega multi-billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) project.”
Stop defending Penang LRT project with flawed arguments – [16/09/18]
Go-ahead likely for Penang LRT – [11/08/18]
“The approvals from the federal authorities for the RM8.4bil Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT) and the massive Penang South Reclamation (PSR) scheme on the southern coast of the island are expected to be obtained before the end of the year.”
Why Penang’s expensive LRT plan must be reviewed – [03/08/18]
Is the Penang Transport Master Plan headed for financial trouble? – [30/07/18]
2017
Preparing Penang for the LRT – [06/08/17]
“To give the Bayan Lepas LRT a higher chance of success, AnakPinang encourages the local authority to implement steps that will help avoid initial low ridership.”
Penang starts display on EIA report for Bayan Lepas LRT project – [21/07/17]
“The public can now view and give their feedback on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Second Schedule) for the proposed Bayan Lepas light rail transit (LRT), which is currently on public display.”
Penang says loan from China to fund ‘financial gap’ in LRT project – [30/05/17]
2016
LRT vs tram in Penang – [12/08/16]
Penang rolls out LRT scheme – [02/04/16]
“The state government has submitted plans for the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) to the Land Public Transport Com-mission (SPAD) for approval.”
Penang to submit LRT plans – Komtar to Bayan Lepas – [24/03/16]
Penang public transport plan revealed – LRT, BRT, monorail and trams to connect island to mainland – [04/03/16]
Public briefings on Penang Transport Master Plan to be held – [07/01/16]
2015
Penang LRT construction work to start in 2018 – [02/12/15]
“Construction work on the Penang light railway transit (LRT) project, which is part of the first phase of the island’s Transport Master Plan (TMP), will start in 2018.
According to SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the Gamuda Bhd-led project delivery partner (PDP) for the TMP, it will be finalising the cost and alignment of the entire project by year end.”
A rail answer to Penang traffic woes – [30/10/15]
The LRT connection – [07/09/15]
“The old Prangin market or popularly known as Sia Boey (Town’s End) in Penang will be transformed into a premier art district in the country with a Light Rail Transit (LRT) line cutting through the 2.2ha site for easy access for the public.”
First LRT project in Penang next year – [16/04/15]
“Penang is set to get its maiden LRT project – a 17.5km elevated stretch linking Komtar with the Penang International Airport.”
2014
Alleviating traffic congestion in Penang – [18/07/14]
“Penangites voice their opinions on the recently announced proposal to build a light rail transit system on the island…The two main public transport infrastructure projects of the integrated plan would involve the construction of an LRT system – estimated at RM4.5bil, and a link from Bayan Lepas to Tanjung Bungah.”
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