IJM Corporation Bhd has received approval from Works Ministry for the extension of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and restructuring of toll rates for the existing stretch

KUALA LUMPUR: IJM Corporation Bhd has received approval from Works Ministry for the extension of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and restructuring of toll rates for the existing stretch.

The project will be undertaken by IJM's infrastructure toll division, which manages the group's highway concessions. According to IJM, the 15-kilometre fully elevated NPE extension (including directional ramps) is designed to improve connectivity, ease congestion and enhance mobility across key corridors in Klang Valley.

By offering a direct alternative to city-centre routes, the highway will help shorten travel times and ease daily commutes for residents and businesses.

The NPE Extension, with a new toll plaza, will be fully funded by the concessionaire without any government funding.

Construction works is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025 with the highway targeted to be operational by 2029.

Toll restructuring of the existing NPE entails maintaining current toll rates until the expiry of the concession period.

Meanwhile, the NPE extension will link the Pantai Dalam toll plaza directly to the Jalan Istana interchange via Jalan Syed Putra, interconnecting with three major expressways - NPE, Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya), and the upcoming Laluan Istana-Kiara Expressway (LIKE).

The project also aligns with Kuala Lumpur Traffic Master Plan 2040, which prioritises highway-to-highway connections that keep through-traffic out of the city core.

The integrated network is expected to divert about 40 per cent of existing traffic from Jalan Bangsar towards the city centre, relieving pressure on some of Kuala Lumpur's busiest routes which expect to reduce travel time during peak hours upon completion.

IJM group chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Lee Chun Fai said the approval marks an important milestone in the group's efforts to improve urban mobility in the Klang Valley.

He added that the NPE extension is designed not only to disperse traffic more efficiently, but also to reduce travel time and support the everyday journeys of people and businesses by easing pressure on key city routes and complementing public transportation.

Beyond easing congestion, the project is also expected to generate economic spillover benefits of about RM5.6 billion, unlocking growth for nearby developments such as Pantai Sentral Park and Bangsar South.

To support future-ready commuting, the NPE Extension will incorporate smart infrastructure features such as Malaysia's multi-lane fast flow tolling system, integrated real-time CCTV monitoring, smart street lighting and a new layby with electric vehicle fast-charging stations.

The NPE Extension also represents a brownfield extension of the group's existing concession asset, aligning with IJM's strategy of expanding and enhancing its infrastructure portfolio through well-managed, synergistic developments.

Lee noted that the extension of the NPE concession provides an ideal mechanism to responsibly finance and deliver this project.

"The NPE Extension also strengthens our recurring income base and fits well within our long-term strategy of managing and monetising infrastructure assets at the right time," he said.

The NPE Extension will be undertaken at a construction cost of RM1.4 billion. Source from: https://www.nst.com.my/amp/business/corporate/2025/05/1220506/ijm-gets-ministrys-nod-extend-new-pantai-expressway-15km-rm14bil