PETALING JAYA: Construction has officially begun for the New Pantai Expressway Extension Project (NPE 2), a strategic investment by IJM Corp Bhd
, with progress on track at 6%, says IJM toll division chief executive officer Chua Lay Hoon.
The project, which aims to enhance connectivity and mobility across Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, is anticipated for completion by October 2029, though efforts may be made to expedite the timeline, based on the traffic situation at the site.
Chua said that as an extension of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE), the NPE2 is not expected to pose earnings risks.
“The NPE 2 project is part of the original NPE, with the same concession operator. The existing NPE will support our bottom line, cashflow, and debt payments, so there’s no concern for us on this.”
The construction cost of the project is estimated to be RM1.4bil, while the total project cost stands at RM1.7bil.
According to Chua, at this stage of the project, the company has thus far been able to manage increased construction costs from ongoing Middle East tensions within its allocated budget.
However, should the need arise, it may look to engage in negotiations with stakeholders, she added.
“Hopefully, by the time future physical works are carried out, prices will have become stable.”
With a 6.4km mainline alignment, which extends up to 15.9km with the inclusion of directional ramps, the NPE 2 will connect the Pantai Dalam Toll Plaza to the Jalan Istana interchange via Jalan Syed Putra.
By providing an alternative route for travel towards Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, the project seeks to address growing urban road congestion, particularly in Bangsar and along Jalan Pantai Dalam.
The project, once completed, is expected to divert about 40% of the traffic currently using Jalan Bangsar, reduce congestion on Jalan Bangsar and Jalan Pantai Dalam, and reduce peak period travel time by up to 25 minutes.
Additionally, the NPE 2 is also set to enhance connectivity between the existing NPE, Besraya Highway, and the proposed Istana-Kiara Expressway.
“The commencement of construction works marks a major milestone for the NPE 2 and reflects our commitment to strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s transportation infrastructure,” Chua said.
Nevertheless, with the project site located in one of the city’s busiest transportation corridors, construction challenges such as traffic management, safety, environmental management and public engagement are anticipated.
“We understand that a large-scale infrastructure project such as NPE 2 may cause temporary inconvenience. However, every lane closure and traffic diversion has been carefully planned to ensure public safety and traffic optimisation,” Chua said.
NPE intends to implement various mitigation measures, safe work zones, and erosion and sediment control plans, while strengthening public communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the construction period.
Moreover, a comprehensive traffic management plan (TMP), developed with relevant authorities and agencies, will be implemented to ensure safe and effective construction activities.
Key measures under the TMP include real-time traffic monitoring systems, continuous coordination with relevant authorities, scheduled lane closures and traffic diversions during off-peak hours, dedicated traffic management and monitoring teams, and information dissemination through variable message signs.
Meanwhile, continual safety monitoring will be undertaken through smart cameras, certified safety personnel, comprehensive traffic control measures and dedicated emergency response teams.
