Central Spine Road

Overview

The Central Spine Road (CSR) is a major highway in Peninsular Malaysia that connects the northern and southern regions through a central inland route. It was developed to ease congestion on the North–South Expressway and provide a safer, faster alternative through the central states. Operated by UEM Group Berhad, the CSR plays a key role in regional trade, tourism, and logistics by linking major towns, industrial hubs, and agricultural areas across Pahang, Perak, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Route Overview

The Central Spine Road primarily runs in a north–south direction, forming an inland parallel to the coastal North–South Expressway. It connects Gua Musang in the north to Tampin in the south, intersecting several state roads and federal highways along the way. The highway provides access to rural communities while serving as a strategic corridor for passenger and cargo transport. Travelers will pass through highlands, valleys, and forested regions, enjoying both functional and scenic value.

Key Cities and Exits

Key interchanges and exit points along the CSR include:

• Gua Musang, Kelantan – Northern entry point with connections to local roads
• Kuala Lipis, Pahang – Gateway to nearby highlands
• Jerantut, Pahang – Access to Taman Negara National Park
• Temerloh, Pahang – Junction to regional federal routes
• Raub, Pahang – Access to Fraser’s Hill and plantation areas
• Tampin, Negeri Sembilan – Southern connection to major expressways

Scenic Highlights

The CSR offers impressive natural scenery:

• Forested foothills of Taman Negara
• Rolling palm oil and rubber plantations
• Colonial architecture glimpses in Kuala Lipis old town
• Scenic river crossings and valleys in Temerloh and Raub
  This makes the route ideal for travelers seeking both practical transport and natural beauty.

Rest & Service Areas (R&R)

Along the CSR, travelers can find several rest stops offering basic amenities:

• Temerloh R&R – Petrol stations, food courts, toilets, and prayer rooms
• Raub R&R – Snack kiosks, parking, and rest facilities
• Jerantut R&R – Limited dining, parking, and scenic stops
  Some areas offer photo opportunities overlooking rivers and plantations.

Toll Information

The CSR uses a combination of toll-free sections and closed toll systems in certain stretches. Accepted payments include:

• Touch ‘n Go cards
• RFID payments
• SmartTAG devices

Note: Toll charges vary depending on the route and vehicle type.

Safety & Facilities

Safety measures along the CSR include:

• Standard speed limits suitable for highway conditions
• Multiple lanes with dedicated emergency lanes in key stretches
• Highway patrol services (CSR Ronda)
• Emergency hotlines for assistance and breakdown support
  Breakdown bays and surveillance cameras are placed throughout the route for safety.

Useful Apps & Resources

Travelers can use several tools for navigation and updates:

• PLUS Mobile app for toll and route information
• Google Maps and Waze for real-time navigation
• Malaysian Highway Authority website for CSR news
• Local emergency hotlines for roadside assistance

Travel Tips

• Travel during early morning or late afternoon to avoid town congestion
• Stay in the right lane if driving slower than highway speeds
• Fuel up before entering remote sections
• Plan stops for sightseeing or nature breaks along scenic areas

Connecting Expressways

The CSR links to major routes including:

• North–South Expressway at the southern terminus
• East Coast Expressway via regional junctions
• Federal routes connecting northern and eastern towns
• Secondary state roads leading to highlands and coastal destinations

Summary Table

Conclusion

The Central Spine Road is an essential inland corridor enhancing Malaysia’s connectivity. It provides a reliable alternative to coastal highways, supports trade and logistics, and opens access to natural and cultural attractions. Its scenic routes and growing infrastructure make it a practical and enjoyable choice for commuters, travelers, and tourists exploring Peninsular Malaysia.