Rapid construction of the RM2.9 billion North Coast Paired Road will significantly reduce travel time between Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang to approximately 7 minutes, according to a Penang executive.
The Penang state government is set to implement the North Coast Paired Road (NCPR) project, a significant infrastructure development aimed at improving connectivity and promoting socio-economic growth in the northern coastal area.
The NCPR project, part of the Three Main Roads and Tunnel Project, awarded in 2013, is not just a road project, but a promise by the state government to ensure infrastructure goes hand in hand with development. The total length of the project is 10.61 kilometres, with the land route spanning 8.41 kilometres.
The route for the NCPR project will start from Jalan Tanjung Bungah, connecting to the coast near the Tanjong Bungah Floating Mosque, and ending at Teluk Bahang. This development is expected to reduce travel time from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang during peak hours from 30 to 45 minutes to just 7 minutes.
The appointed contractor for the NCPR project is Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC). The State Economic Planning Unit (BPEN), State Legal Advisor's Office, and technical agencies are preparing the Supplementary Agreement and Land Acquisition Cost Agreement with CZC.
The coastal viaduct of the NCPR project is 2.2 kilometres long, and the contractor is currently finalising the detailed design for the project. However, amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study for the NCPR project are expected to take a year and a half.
The huge investment in the NCPR project, totalling RM2.9 billion, includes RM500 million allocated for land acquisition purposes and government land. Construction work for the NCPR project is expected to start in 2026 and be completed by 2031.
Work can begin as soon as the agreement is signed, while the acquisition process for private lots is expected to take between six to 12 months. The NCPR project is expected to open up new socio-economic opportunities for the northern coastal area, but residents, traders, and tourists may face various risks due to road congestion in the area.
Emergency services such as ambulances, fire brigade, and police may also be affected by traffic jams in the northern coastal area. The project is hoped to address these issues by improving connectivity and reducing travel times, ensuring Penang remains livable, competitive, and resilient for future generations.
However, further information regarding the name of the consortium commissioned for the North Coast Paired Road project and the expected contract signing date is yet to be disclosed.
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