THE Penang LRT Mutiara Line reached a major milestone today as Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow visited the Segmental Box Girder (SBG) casting yard in Sungai Ular, a key facility that will manufacture the elevated viaduct segments for the line’s first package.
Located in Kulim, the yard has been developed by SRS Consortium to produce precast segments for the stretch from Silicon Island to Komtar. Chow was given a guided tour of the facility and expressed confidence in the project’s progress.
“Today, I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to visit the Segmental Box Girder casting yard for the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project here in Kulim.
“This facility has been prepared to produce the segments that will be transported and installed along the project alignment,” he said.
He emphasised that the SBG approach represents a modern construction method compared with conventional techniques, which often cause disruption at work sites.
“This latest method helps overcome on-site constraints and reduces disturbances. It is a major step forward in ensuring smoother construction,” he further explained.
The casting yard will produce approximately 8,800 SBG segments for Package 1 of the project. Production is expected to begin this month, with the first deliveries to Penang targeted for July or August.
“By July or August, Penangites will be able to witness the launching of the first box girder for the Mutiara Line,” Chow said.
Each viaduct span will measure about 40 metres, requiring 13 segments per span. Installation of the elevated structure and segment production are expected to continue through 2028, followed by track laying and other rail system works.
Chow said the state government is satisfied with the progress seen during the visit.
“The state government is very pleased with what we have witnessed here today, and we hope everything will continue to proceed smoothly,” he said.
Also, relatively, the Chief Minister highlighted that the SBG method was chosen to minimise disruption to road users, as installation is carried out above the piers rather than using long scaffolding along roads.
“This method will significantly reduce traffic impact. Most installation works will take place at night to avoid congestion,” he said, urging the public to cooperate with traffic management plans when the works begin.
SRS LRT Sdn Bhd project director Adil Putra Ahmad said producing segments in a controlled environment improves safety, quality and construction speed.
“With this method, we improve worker safety and accelerate construction. Producing segments in a controlled environment makes the process safer and more efficient,” he said.
The 38-acre yard is now about 90 per cent ready, complete with a dedicated batching plant to ensure a continuous concrete supply. At peak capacity, the facility will produce up to 350 segments per month.
Adil explained that the hollow reinforced concrete segments are designed to reduce weight while maintaining strength, and that the technology is widely used in rail projects worldwide.
“This is proven technology used globally, cast, transport to site and launch,” he added.
Also present were Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long and state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
The SBG casting yard supports the Civil Main Contractor 1 (CMC1) package awarded to SRS LRT Sdn Bhd, covering a 23.7-kilometre alignment from Silicon Island to Komtar.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En and Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud and Siew Chia En