KUALA LUMPUR: The RM1.7bil New Pantai Expressway Extension (NPE 2) project, which covers 6.4km along the main route – or 15km in total, including directional ramps – connecting Pantai Dalam Toll Plaza to Jalan Istana, is expected to be completed and operational by 2029.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project, part of the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Master Plan 2040, aims to ease congestion along the Pantai Dalam-Bangsar-Mahameru corridor.
"Once completed, motorists could save up to 25 minutes when travelling from Bangsar to Subang Jaya, thanks to improved road service levels," he said during the project's groundbreaking ceremony at the Pantai Dalam Toll Plaza on Wednesday (Nov 12).
Nanta said that the highway is also expected to boost local economic growth in Pantai Dalam, Bangsar and Lembah Pantai, while spurring new opportunities in housing, commerce and services.
He said the project would be fully funded by New Pantai Expressway Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of IJM Corporation Berhad, without financial burden on the government.
"This is a prime example of a successful public-private partnership in sustainable infrastructure development," he said.
On the implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system, Nanta said six companies have expressed interest in bidding for the project.
"The MLFF system will be implemented on a business-to-business (B2B) basis, allowing service providers to engage directly with existing highway concessionaires," he explained.
He added that the government is seeking an efficient, AI-driven system to ensure smoother and safer journeys for road users. – Bernama
