Penang Government Plans To Build Underground Railway Instead Of Monorail

PENANG, March 26 (Bernama) -- The Penang state government intends to build an underground railway track instead of the planned monorail to ease traffic congestion in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the project would be in the long-term plan to complete Penang's transportation network.

"This is only a plan. Whether it will be approved or not will solely depend on the federal government. However, I hope it will be considered," he said after chairing the second meeting of the new state executive council at his office here Wednesday.

Lim said an underground railway track for Penang was aimed at protecting and preserving its many heritage buildings as these were tourist attractions for the state.

The monorail for Penang was among the mega projects approved by the federal government under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

The monorail is to connect Batu Ferringhi, which is a major tourist spot on the island, to other areas such as Tanjung Tokong, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jelutong, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Gelugor, Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas.

-- BERNAMA