KUALA LUMPUR: BMT Jelas Sdn Bhd has started preliminary works for the proposed RM4.6bil expressway that will connect Jelapang in Ipoh to Batu Kawan in Penang.
The 116km expressway, named Jelapang-Selama-Batu Kawan Expressway (Jelas), is anticipated to be completed within three years upon obtaining approval from the Federal Government.
In a statement, group executive chairman Tan Sri Bahadon Ariffin said the proposed Jelas expressway would complement the Government’s plans for the Northern Corridor and would significantly impact the economic development for the region.
“We are looking at boosting tourism as a whole with expected arrivals from tourists that will stimulate growth for businesses across all sectors,” he said.
To serve as an alternative link to the main North South Expressway, it would consists 13 interchanges which include Jelapang (Meru), Klebang, Kanthan Baru, Sungai Siput (Utara), Karai, Kati, Anak Kurau, Batu Kurau, Selama, Serdang, Lima Kongsi and Batu Kawan.
Currently, the preliminary works included costing and budgetary processes of the overall acquisition.
Bahadon said the intention was to boost the development of residential, commercial, industrial and services sectors to further create opportunities for small and medium enterprises and for suppliers’ chain industries.
“The infrastructure will support the industrial and economic growth for the region.
“It will narrow down the gap between rural and urban areas, as well as, increase household income,” he said, adding that Jelas would have the longest road tunnel in Asia, stretching 3km across the Bintang Range. - Bernama
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