Penang Hill Cable Car Project Reaches 32 Pct Completion - Chow

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- The Penang Hill cable car project has reached 32 per cent completion, with construction expected to be finished by August 2027 and operations targeted to begin in the fourth quarter of next year, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

He said the installation of the project’s third tower reflected the progress achieved.

“This shows that the Penang Hill cable car project is now entering a more exciting phase following the completion of all underground works.

“The overall progress of the project has reached 32 per cent and, according to the project team, all physical works are expected to be completed by August 2027, with operations targeted to begin in the fourth quarter of next year,” he said after an inspection visit to the project here today.

Chow said the construction of underground structures posed constraints during the initial stage of the project due to the need for detailed scrutiny and compliance with stringent technical requirements.

He said the geological conditions and stringent technical requirements in the Penang Hill area required the underground works to be carried out manually without the use of machinery.

“There were constraints with the underground works during the initial stage, but thankfully, they have now been completed and the project has entered the above-ground construction phase.

“The work at Penang Hill is also very challenging due to the stringent technical requirements.  Machinery cannot be used for the underground works, which have to be carried out manually and require considerable patience,” he said.

The more than RM200 million project will provide an alternative transport link to the existing rail system, with the cable car capable of carrying up to 1,400 passengers per hour in each direction and taking about 10 minutes to travel from the Botanical Gardens to the hilltop, 700 metres above sea level.

The 2.73-kilometre cable car route will comprise three main stations, namely Garden Station, Turn Station and Hill Station.

The project will also include multi-storey car parking facilities, a commercial plaza in front of the Botanical Gardens Department and a dedicated bus parking area.

-- BERNAMA