Penang’s Long-Awaited NCPR Sees Construction Start in 2026

The long-awaited North Coast Paired Road (NCPR) is finally taking shape, with construction slated to begin in 2026. Once completed, the 10.61km highway is expected to transform travel along Penang’s northern corridor, providing a crucial alternative to the heavily congested Jalan Batu Ferringhi.

For decades, the single-carriageway stretch from George Town to Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang has been notorious for gridlock, especially during peak hours, festive seasons and long weekends. Accidents, fallen debris or heavy rain only add to the delays, often trapping residents, traders, tourists and even emergency services for hours.

The NCPR aims to change this. The project will feature 8.41km of land route and a 2.2km coastal viaduct connecting Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang. The new alignment will pass the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque, extend over the sea near Shamrock, cut across Batu Ferringhi and end in Teluk Bahang. Travel time, currently up to 45 minutes during busy periods, is expected to drop to just seven minutes.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee Chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the RM2.9 billion project, including RM500 million for land acquisition, is more than just a road. He described it as a lifeline that will ease congestion, improve emergency response times and open new economic opportunities for Penang’s northern coastal belt.

The contractor, Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC), is finalising detailed design work, with amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and land processes expected to take about 18 months. Work will first begin on state-owned land, while private lot acquisitions are projected to take between six to 12 months.

Zairil stressed that the project is part of a larger commitment by the state government to pair infrastructure with development. “If there is an emergency incident on the road or during peak hours and festivals, the road will be blocked and there will be no other alternative. With the NCPR, we are ensuring Penang remains livable, competitive and resilient for future generations,” he said.

The NCPR, scheduled for completion in 2031, is expected to boost tourism, support businesses and deliver safer, faster journeys. For Penang’s northern communities, it promises relief long overdue.

Source: Penang Property Talk