Penang: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is leading a delegation to Switzerland and Austria as part of the state government's ongoing efforts to advance the Penang Hill Cable Car Project.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Penang Chief Minister's Office stated that the working visit, hosted by Doppelmayr and Hartasuma, marks a significant step forward in implementing one of Penang's key sustainable mobility initiatives. It aims to ensure that Penang Hill's cable car infrastructure meets the highest international benchmarks.
Chow and the delegation will visit key suppliers and industry leaders involved in the cable car project. This includes Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH's headquarters and manufacturing facility in Wolfurt, Austria; cable car ropeway supplier Fatzer AG in Romanshorn; funicular system supplier Garaventa AG in Goldau; and gondola cabin supplier CWA Constructions SA in Olten, Switzerland.
These technical visits are crucial for understanding the advanced engineering, operational procedures, and stringent safety standards that underpin world-class cable car systems. Chow and the delegation will also engage with the Mayor of Bettmeralp, Raron, Switzerland, and local cable car company Aletsch Bahnen AG to explore best practices in mountain tourism and sustainable transport systems. Bettmeralp is a renowned car-free village accessible exclusively by cable car.
According to the statement, these engagements will provide valuable inputs for enhancing Penang Hill's long-term development as a sustainable and accessible destination. The Penang government is firmly committed to delivering the Penang Hill Cable Car Project with an uncompromising emphasis on safety, quality, and service reliability. This official mission is a critical part of that commitment.
Spanning 2.73 kilometres from the Penang Botanic Gardens to the top of Bukit Bendera, the Penang Hill Cable Car includes three main stations: the Garden Station at the base, a mid-route Turn Station, and the Hill Station at the summit. The project will also feature a multi-storey car park, a commercial plaza opposite the Botanic Gardens Department, and a dedicated bus parking area.