The Penang undersea tunnel challenge just isn’t deserted, and stays an energetic initiative with ongoing research work, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow clarified on the state meeting on Friday.
Responding to a supplementary query from Azmi Alang (PN–Telok Ayer Tawar), Chow stated the state authorities just lately obtained an in depth presentation from the businesses concerned throughout a State Govt Council assembly, the place key points and the steps wanted to maneuver ahead had been reviewed.
He defined that a number of technical issues are nonetheless being refined, together with the proposed alignment’s affect on Penang Port’s deliberate growth. Chow added that if the challenge had been to shift from an undersea tunnel to a bridge, the design would require cautious analysis, notably in relation to the close by Royal Malaysian Air Power Butterworth Air Base.
“These are technical issues nonetheless being addressed. Below the grasp settlement, the research work has not been accomplished, and we can’t proceed till all events are happy with the alignment design and monetary preparations,” he stated.
On Might 21, the state authorities introduced that it was reviewing a proposal to exchange the tunnel with a bridge throughout the Penang Straits. In line with State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, the feasibility research—finalised in 2023—examined the viability of the bridge design in addition to different alternate options.
The 6.5km undersea tunnel, meant to attach Gurney Drive on the island to Bagan Ajam on the mainland, varieties a key part of the Penang Transport Grasp Plan.
