NCH is one of seven (7) mega projects announced for Kedah in March 2019.  

Once completed, NCH will create continuous connectivity with the West Coast Expressway (WCE) and PLUS Expressway. It is also expected to improve inter-city connectivity, reduce congestion on the PLUS Expressway, and catalyse the growth of less developed areas, especially in hinterland Kedah and Perak. 

Phase 1 of NCH will cater for major development areas such as Sungai Petani, Kulim International Airport (KXP), Desa Aman, Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) and Batu Kawan. Phase 2 of the project will connect Serdang in Kedah to Changkat Jering in Perak.