Coastal Road Route Cuts Travel Time Between Tg Bungah & Teluk Bahang
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Penang North coastal paired Road Project Faces Delays, Revised Timeline
Table of Contents
Project Overview & Current Status
The Penang north coastal Paired Road (NCPR) project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, is facing delays due to alignment updates and necessary regulatory processes. State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced a revised timeline on September 8, 2023.
Revised Timeline & Key Milestones
Zairil Khir Johari outlined a multi-stage process with a projected completion timeframe extending beyond initial expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the key milestones:
- Updated Alignment & EIA Amendment: Following changes to the road’s alignment, an amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is required. This process is anticipated to take approximately 1.5 years.
- Supplementary & Land Acquisition Agreements: The Penang State Economic Planning Unit (BPEN),with support from the state legal Department and relevant technical agencies,is finalizing both the Supplementary Agreement and the Land Acquisition Cost Agreement (Laca) between the State and CZC.
- Land Acquisition: Land acquisition will commence immediately after the Laca is signed. For state-owned land, construction can begin after the Supplementary Agreement is signed.
- Private Land Acquisition: The acquisition of private land parcels is estimated to take at least six to twelve months.
- Overall Project Duration: Considering all phases,the project is now expected to take at least six months from the current date (September 8,2023) to begin meaningful construction,with full completion likely several years away.
Financial Details
The total project cost is RM2.9 billion, wich includes RM500 million allocated specifically for land acquisition. The financial arrangements are being formalized through the agreements currently under finalization.
Potential Challenges & Mitigation
The extended timeline highlights the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects, notably those involving land acquisition and environmental considerations. Delays in the EIA amendment or land acquisition process could further impact the project’s completion date. The state government is working to streamline these processes through close collaboration with relevant agencies.