By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 21 October 2026
The Mutiara Line is Penang’s first light rail transit (LRT) line. It will run from Bayan Lepas and Penang International Airport through Bayan Baru, Gelugor and Jelutong to Komtar in George Town, then cross the Penang Strait to Penang Sentral in Butterworth. Construction began with a groundbreaking in January 2025, and the line is scheduled to open in December 2031.
Below is the latest route map for 2026, where construction stands, and which Penang new launch projects are in the areas the line will serve.
Penang LRT Mutiara Line route map (2026)
Mutiara Line stations, from south to north
StationTerminusInterchangeProvisional station
- Bayan Lepas · southern end
A01Silicon IslandProvisional terminus on the Penang South Reclamation islandS02Permatang Damar LautBatu Maung · first station of the current construction phaseS03Penang International AirportOne of the two stations with the fastest progress (June 2026)S04Sungai TiramBayan LepasS05FIZ SouthBayan Lepas Free Industrial ZoneS06FIZ NorthBayan Lepas Free Industrial ZoneS07Jalan TengahBayan Baru / Bayan LepasS08Bayan Baru (SPICE)SPICE arena and PICC areaS09Bukit JambulBukit Jambul- Sungai Nibong · Gelugor
S10Sungai NibongLink to the rail depotS11Sungai DuaInterchange with Sungai Nibong bus terminalS12Batu UbanBatu UbanS13Jalan UniversitiUniversiti Sains Malaysia (USM)S14GelugorGelugorS15Penang WaterfrontThe Light Waterfront area- Jelutong · George Town
S16East JelutongJelutongS17Sungai PinangSungai PinangS18Bandar Sri PinangOne of the two stations with the fastest progress (June 2026)S19MacallumThe line splits here: one branch to Komtar, one across the strait to Penang Sentral
S20KomtarTerminus in George Town · bus interchange
- About 5 km link across the Penang Strait
S30Jalan Bagan LuarProvisional station, ButterworthS31Penang SentralTerminus in Butterworth · KTM rail, bus and ferry interchange
Schematic route map drawn by New Launching Projects from the published station list. Not to scale. Station names may change before opening.
Where construction stands in 2026
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Groundbreaking ceremony; civil works on the island section begin. |
| May 2026 | First of three major traffic management zones put in place at the Jalan Tengah – Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah junction. |
| Jun 2026 | Piers under construction at 14 locations along the line. The Penang International Airport and Bandar Sri Pinang stations show the fastest progress; station designs are awaiting final approval from the Penang Island City Council. |
| 24 Jun 2026 | In a written parliamentary reply, the Transport Ministry puts overall works at 8.99% and says the line is on schedule to open in December 2031. |
| 6 Aug 2026 | MRT Corp awards the RM3.03 billion railway systems contract (trains, signalling, power, platform gates, track, ticketing and depot equipment) to the MRCB-Theta Edge joint venture, with works due within 68.8 months. |
| 12 Sep 2026 – 31 Jul 2027 | Traffic diversion on Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah for piling and structural works in the road median. |
| Sep 2026 | MRT Corp’s site photos show work under way at all stations from Permatang Damar Laut (S02) to Komtar (S20) and at the depot. |
How the trains will run
According to the systems contract details, each train will carry at least 405 passengers, and the line is designed for up to 10,910 passengers per hour in each direction. Trains are planned to run every 4 minutes at the start, with frequency rising to every 2 minutes as demand grows.
Why you may see two different lengths
Some reports give the line as 23.7 km. That is the island section from Komtar to Silicon Island. The full line, including the cross-strait link to Penang Sentral, is 29.67 km.
Possible future extensions
MRT Corp has indicated that the line could later be extended north to Tanjung Bungah, and on the mainland to Bukit Mertajam and Batu Kawan, after the current project is completed. These extensions are not yet confirmed or scheduled.
Penang new launches in areas the Mutiara Line will serve
The projects below are grouped by the area they are in and the stations in that area. This is a guide by area, not by walking distance: always check the exact distance from the project to the nearest station before you decide.
| Area · nearby stations | New launch projects |
|---|---|
| George Town · Komtar, Macallum | G’Vinton, Lumina Residence, Scott @ Logan |
| Jelutong · East Jelutong, Sungai Pinang, Bandar Sri Pinang | Alton Skyvillas, Twin Star |
| Gelugor · Penang Waterfront, Gelugor, Jalan Universiti | Keeperz Suites, The Lighthauz, Lightwater Residences, Pinnacle Bukit Gambier |
| Batu Uban · Batu Uban, Sungai Dua | The Fount, Triuni Residences |
| Bayan Baru · Bayan Baru (SPICE), Bukit Jambul | Senze @ PICC |
| Bayan Lepas · Jalan Tengah, FIZ North, FIZ South, Sungai Tiram, Airport | Casa Rica (Phase 2), Goodwood Residence, Maldives Residence, Queens Residences Q3, The Pier, Valencia Residence |
| Batu Maung · Permatang Damar Laut | Desa Seri Aman |
| Butterworth · Penang Sentral (cross-strait link) | Marina Residence 2 |
Projects in Tanjung Bungah, Bukit Mertajam and Batu Kawan are in the areas named for possible future extensions only.
What buyers should keep in mind
- 2031 is the schedule, not a guarantee. Large rail projects can be delayed. Buy a home you are happy with today, and treat the LRT as a future benefit.
- Check the distance yourself. Being in the same area as a station is not the same as being a short walk from it. Look at the exact station location and the walking route.
- Expect construction traffic. Lane closures and diversions along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway will continue while the line is built.
- Compare completion dates. Many new launches complete before 2031. Check whether you plan to own the property long enough to benefit from the line.
You can compare projects side by side on our compare page, or browse all Penang new launch projects by area.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Penang LRT open?
The Transport Ministry says the Mutiara Line is scheduled for completion and operation in December 2031.
How many stations does the Mutiara Line have?
22 stations: 20 confirmed stations plus 2 provisional stations, Silicon Island and Jalan Bagan Luar.
Does the Penang LRT go to the airport?
Yes. Penang International Airport station (S03) is on the line, between Permatang Damar Laut and Sungai Tiram.
Will the LRT connect Penang Island to Butterworth?
Yes. A branch from Macallum is planned to cross the Penang Strait on an elevated link of about 5 km to Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
How far along is construction?
Overall works were at 8.99% according to the Transport Ministry’s parliamentary reply published on 24 June 2026, with work under way at stations from Permatang Damar Laut to Komtar.
Looking for a home near the Mutiara Line?
I can send you the latest price lists, unit availability and packages for new launches in the areas along the line, and help you check the distance to the nearest station. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- The Star: Mutiara Line LRT project set for completion in December 2031
- paultan.org: Mutiara Line LRT on track for 2031 completion, works progress at 8.99%
- The Star: Airport and Bandar Sri Pinang stations show fastest progress
- EdgeProp: MRCB-Theta Edge JV secures RM3.03 bil Mutiara Line railway systems contract
- International Railway Journal: Systems contract awarded for Penang Mutiara Line
- The Star: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah to face 322-day traffic diversion
- Penang Property Talk: Construction progress update (Oct 2026)
- Wikipedia: Mutiara Line (station list and codes)
This article is general information based on published reports as of 21 October 2026. Station names, alignment and timelines are set by MRT Corp and may change. It is not investment advice.
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