Proposed Sungai Dua depot site

Fresh discussions have emerged over the proposed secondary depot for the Penang LRT’s Mutiara Line, following feedback received during the public display of the revised railway scheme.

A key point of debate is whether the currently proposed Sungai Dua depot site, located on part of the former Pesta grounds, should instead be relocated to Penang Sentral in Butterworth.

Several industry sources quoted by The Star believe a mainland-based depot could improve long-term operational efficiency, particularly if the LRT network expands further into Seberang Perai and northern Penang in the future. Having depots at both ends of the line is also seen as a way to reduce service disruptions by allowing trains to be deployed or returned for servicing from either direction.

Another potential benefit highlighted is land optimisation on Penang island, as shifting the depot away from Sungai Dua could free up strategically located land for higher-value transit-oriented or residential developments in the future.

There is also growing interest in the possibility of integrating the proposed depot with the future Penang Sentral LRT station, creating an opportunity to unlock a larger publicly accessible waterfront space in Butterworth. Such a move could complement the broader regeneration potential of the Penang Sentral precinct and its surrounding seafront.

However, Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation has clarified that the secondary depot is intended mainly for train stabling and daily operational readiness, rather than heavy maintenance. Major servicing works will continue to be handled at the primary depot on Silicon Island, which remains the main rail maintenance hub for the Mutiara Line.

According to MRT Corp, several possible locations are still being evaluated, with considerations including operational requirements, land availability, and long-term development plans of surrounding areas.

The full 29.5km Mutiara Line will connect Silicon Island to Komtar before crossing to Penang Sentral, with completion targeted by the end of 2031.

The evolving depot discussion reflects broader efforts to future-proof the Mutiara Line while balancing operational resilience, urban development opportunities, and waterfront revitalisation on both sides of the channel.

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