The George Town–Butterworth LRT was a proposed railway connecting George Town on the island of Penang to Butterworth on the mainland side of Penang state.
The George Town–Butterworth Line was added to the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) in 2022. The original proposal was for an undersea tunnel connecting the Bayan Lepas LRT to the KTM railway station in Butterworth.
The George Town–Butterworth railway is now part of the Mutiara LRT Line (formerly the Bayan Lepas LRT). The Mutiara Line will branch at Macallum Station to cross the Penang Strait via a bridge to Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
Links and resources
pgmasterplan.penang.gov.my/en/2019/07/ptmp-keseluruhan/ – Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
The Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) includes all of the proposed public transport lines. The map shows the proposed route of the George Town–Butterworth LRT
News archive
2024
Chow: Penang LRT to cross sea from Komtar via rail bridge – [14/02/24]
“Penang’s upcoming Light Rail Transit (LRT) project may see one of its lines connecting the island and the mainland in the form of a rail bridge, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.”
Penang’s LRT to extend to Butterworth via rail bridge, says Chow – [13/02/24]
“Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow says the train will stop at Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai.”
2023
LRT linking Penang Island and Butterworth closer to reality – [22/11/23]
“In a significant move towards the realisation of the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has initiated a call for tender to appoint a research consultant.”
Experts cautiously optimistic about Penang’s underground LRT – [24/08/23]
“A proposal to run Penang’s LRT line underground within the city limits here and link it to Seberang Perai via an undersea tunnel has left experts cautiously optimistic.”
Cross channel LRT link may be undersea, says Penang CM – [18/08/23]
“The proposed cross channel light rail transit (LRT) link, connecting Penang island and Butterworth, may be an undersea link.”
“MRT Corp had proposed the cross channel link to be undersea, which will be connected to an underground interchange, right in the heart of George Town city.”
Govt could approve LRT project connecting Penang with mainland, says Loke – [17/07/23]
Penang will pursue the George Town–Butterworth LRT link, says Penang CM – [16/01/23]
“The George Town–Butterworth LRT is a proposed extension of the BL LRT, which serves to connect the mainland KTMB railway line to the BL LRT at the Penang Sentral Transport Hub.”
2022
Planning new rail link across channel – [28/11/22]
“The state government will work on the implementation of the George Town-Butterworth Rail Line to reduce the congestion experienced on the Penang Bridge every day.
The rail line linking the island and mainland is a new component in the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.”
Help us realise George Town – Butterworth Rail Line project, CM Chow urges new Federal Govt – [24/11/22]
“Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has expressed hopes that the new Federal Government could help Penang to establish the George Town – Butterworth Rail Line to reduce the number of vehicles on the Penang Bridge every day.”
2018
Penang told to build cross channel rail instead of undersea tunnel – [17/04/18]
“The state government of Penang should build a cross-channel rail link and improve the existing ferry service instead of constructing an undersea tunnel, according to Penang Forum spokesman Datuk Anwar Fazal in a report by The Edge.”
2015
LRT across the sea to mainland in the works – [17/12/15]
“There are plans for a fourth link between Penang island and the mainland – a light rail transit (LRT) track across the sea.”
2013
Cross-channel rail should link Penang Island to mainland inter-city trains – [04/01/13]
“Guest writer German urban planning expert Alex Koenig shares with us his views about the transport challenges facing Penang.”
Talked for 10 years, still talking… and the talk can continue and continue for another 10 years, and another 10 years. Before we know, developers already filled up the sea with lands that eventually connect to mainland without any tunnel or bridges needed.
No undersea tunnel. Instead rail cable sea bridge will serve well in future n will also ensure sea view for travellers n tourists alike. An example of China rail sea bridges speaks volumes. Undersea tunnels are of no views to travellers . Sea rail vies will keep travellers n tourists upright n look forward to sea view crossings. Make it a iconic rail travel crossings.