The much-anticipated Penang Hill cable car project is progressing as planned, with the first ropeway tower set to be erected by the end of June 2025. According to Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, caisson piling works are currently underway at all four main project sites, including the cable car stations and a multi-storey car park.

The RM245 million project, awarded to Hartasuma Sdn Bhd in December 2022 under a 30-year public-private partnership, aims to provide an alternative and environmentally responsible transport route to Penang Hill. The system will feature three main stations—Garden, Turn, and Hill.

As of now, the project is 6.5% complete. Cheok confirmed that 12 of the 33 required caisson foundations for the towers have been installed. These foundations are critical for the safe and stable installation of the ropeway towers, which are currently being fabricated off-site for progressive delivery to the construction locations.

To reduce the environmental impact, the number of towers within the forest reserve has been limited to five, with the remaining ten situated outside it. “We’ve taken measures to preserve as much of the forest as possible,” Cheok said, adding that careful alignment is crucial to ensure a smooth cable car ride for passengers.

A key component of the development is a multi-storey car park at the site of the former food court near the Botanic Gardens, which has been cleared. Groundworks and environmental safeguards have already been implemented at the site. The car park will help alleviate traffic congestion by providing additional parking for visitors.

PHC is closely monitoring construction progress to ensure full compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Public safety notices and traffic advisories have been issued, particularly for areas affected by construction activities along Jalan Kebun Bunga, the Jeep track, and Summit Road.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with operations targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2027, following thorough safety inspections and system commissioning.

“This project will offer visitors a new way to experience Penang Hill while adhering to the highest safety standards,” Cheok added.