The reclamation for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) Depot on Silicon Island is making remarkable progress, with the land now extending over 28 hectares. This depot will serve as a cornerstone of the island’s ambitious transportation network, supporting a visionary shift toward green mobility and sustainable urban living.

A transformative vision

Silicon Island, a 931-hectare reclaimed area off Bayan Lepas, is being designed to set new benchmarks in sustainable urban planning. Central to its development is the concept of a “15-minute city,” ensuring that residents can easily access essential services within a short walk or cycle. This strategy promotes low-carbon living and aligns with Penang’s broader goal of achieving a 70:30 public-private transport modal split.

The island’s design incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, with a dedicated city management unit overseeing adherence to Urban Design Guidelines. This ensures orderly growth and positions Silicon Island as a future-ready, livable urban space.

Comprehensive connectivity

The Mutiara Line LRT project, spearheaded by MRT Corporation, will connect 21 stations, with 20 on Penang Island and Silicon Island and one at Penang Sentral on the mainland. The alignment starts from Silicon Island and extends north through key locations, including the Penang International Airport, Free Industrial Zones, SPICE, and Komtar.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari highlighted the strategic value of Silicon Island’s inclusion in the LRT network. “The depot’s location on the island optimizes land use and enhances regional connectivity, supporting sustainable urban mobility in the southern region of Penang Island,” Zairil explained.

All stations will be elevated, ensuring seamless integration into the urban landscape. With the LRT connecting Penang’s island and mainland, commuters can look forward to a modern, efficient public transport system that reduces dependence on private vehicles.

Mobility-centric development

Silicon Island’s green transport strategy extends beyond the LRT. Plans include autonomous trams, buses, and electric water taxis operating along a 5-kilometer canal network. These initiatives aim to reduce transport-related emissions by 44% compared to traditional urban developments. The island’s emphasis on walking, cycling, and other low-impact mobility devices underscores its commitment to creating a sustainable, human-centric urban environment.

Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, CEO of Penang Infrastructure Corporation, emphasized the project’s alignment with global trends. “Corporations are increasingly prioritizing locations with robust, sustainable systems. Silicon Island’s design meets these expectations, paving the way for a low-carbon city.”

Looking ahead

Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently confirmed that the Mutiara Line LRT project is set to commence next year, with final design and cost negotiations nearing completion. The depot’s strategic placement on Silicon Island reflects the state’s forward-thinking approach, utilizing scarce land resources efficiently while setting the foundation for a greener Penang.

By integrating cutting-edge public transport with environmentally conscious urban planning, Silicon Island is poised to become a model for sustainable development in Malaysia. The Mutiara Line LRT depot symbolizes a critical step toward realizing Penang’s vision of a connected, low-carbon future.

Source: The Star