Kuala lumpur: The RM1.7 billion New Pantai Expressway Extension (NPE 2) project, spanning 6.4 km along the main route or 15 km in total, including directional ramps, and connecting Pantai Dalam Toll Plaza to Jalan Istana, is slated for completion and operation by 2029.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that this project is a component of the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Master Plan 2040 and is designed to alleviate congestion along the Pantai Dalam-Bangsar-Mahameru corridor. During the groundbreaking ceremony at the Pantai Dalam Toll Plaza, Nanta highlighted that once completed within 48 months, motorists could experience up to a 25-minute reduction in travel time when commuting from Bangsar or Mid Valley to Subang Jaya, due to enhanced road service levels.

Nanta further mentioned that the highway is anticipated to stimulate local economic growth in Pantai Dalam, Bangsar, and Lembah Pantai, fostering new opportunities in housing, commerce, and services. He emphasized that the project will be entirely funded by New Pantai Expressway Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of IJM Corporation Berhad, ensuring no financial burden on the government. “This is a prime example of a successful public-private partnership in sustainable infrastructure development,” he remarked.

Addressing the implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system, Nanta noted that six companies have expressed interest in bidding for the project. He elaborated that the MLFF system will operate on a business-to-business (B2B) model, permitting service providers to engage directly with existing highway concessionaires. He added that the government is in pursuit of an efficient, AI-driven system to ensure smoother and safer journeys for road users.