Penang: The installation and piling works for the Penang Hill Cable Car Project are currently moving forward, with the installation of the towers anticipated to commence at the end of July. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed optimism about the project’s progress and the contributions from Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, the company awarded the project.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister shared insights from a recent visit to Switzerland and Austria, which took place from June 10 to June 16, aimed at enhancing the project’s implementation. He mentioned the possibility of incorporating improvements suggested during the visit, emphasizing the technological support from renowned funicular and cable car firms.

“The project is expected to be completed by December 2026 and may take another three months for trial period, dry commissioning and so on before it is opened to tourists and the public,” Chow stated at a press conference at Komtar.

Leading a delegation, Chow visited major suppliers and industry leaders involved in the cable car initiative. These visits included Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH in Wolfurt, Austria, cable car rope system supplier Fatzer AG in Romanshorn, funicular system supplier Garaventa AG in Goldau, and gondola cabin supplier CWA Constructions SA in Olten, Switzerland.

Chow further noted that the companies involved will soon need to select the colors for the cabins for the Penang Hill Cable Car Project. Additionally, he emphasized that the existing Penang Hill funicular railway service, a prominent landmark, will continue to operate alongside the new cable car, maintaining all necessary safety and maintenance measures.

The Penang Hill Cable Car Project will feature a 2.73-kilometre route from the Penang Botanical Gardens to the hilltop, incorporating three main stations: the Garden Station at the base, the Turn Station mid-route, and the Hill Station at the summit. The project also includes plans for a multi-storey car park, a commercial plaza in front of the Botanical Gardens Department, and a dedicated bus parking area.