Users of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) rejoice, as IJM Corp Bhd has secured the greenlight from the government to build a new RM 1.4 billion extension to NPE.
The extension was initially scrapped by the government back in 2012, and IJM vowed to appeal the decision with a revised alignment.
According to a statement by IJM, work on the new 15 km extension is scheduled to commence by the third quarter of 2025 and set to complete by 2029.
Furthermore, IJM also mentioned that the new extension will be fully elevated and will connect the Pantai Dalam Toll Plaza to the Jalan Istana Interchange via Jalan Syed Putra, thus linking three major highways – NPE, BESRAYA, and the upcoming Laluan Istana-Kiara Expressway (LIKE).
The new extension is expected to divert about 40% of existing traffic from Jalan Bangsar towards the city centre, reducing pressure on some of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest routes.
In addition to reducing congestion, the new NPE extension is also expected to generate economic spillover benefits of roughly RM 5.6 billion, creating growth for developments in Pantai Sentral Park and Bangsar South.
The new extension will also feature smart infrastructure features like Malaysia’s Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) toll system, CCTV monitoring, smart street lighting, and layby for EV chargers.
IJM Group CEO and managing director Datuk Lee Chun Fai said, “This extension allows the project to be financed responsibly while enhancing IJM’s recurring income. It also aligns with our long-term strategy to manage and eventually monetise infrastructure assets.”
Also in the announcement, IJM has stated that the toll rates for the NPE will be maintained at the current rate until the expiry of the concession period.