Development of MRT phase-2 to start in 2018

PT Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) has planned to start extending the route of Jakartas mass rapid transit system phase-2 from the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta to Kampung Bandan in Ancol, North Jakarta, in 2018.

"We plan to conduct the groundbreaking of MRT phase-2 development next year," PT MRT Jakarta President Director William P Sabandar remarked here on Thursday.

According to him, the construction of mass transportation facilities is currently still in the stage of basic engineering design.

"Some time ago we have completed the feasibility study, and now we are in the stage of basic engineering design," Sabandar said, adding that he had made a coordination with the central government about the plan to start the development of the MRT phase-2.

He explained that the budget amounting Rp25.1 trillion for the development has been allocated, and it has been coordinated with the central government.

Sabandar said the MRT phase-2 will extend 8.3 kilometers from the Hotel Indonesia roundabout to Kampung Bandan, with eight underground stations of Sarinah, Monas, Harmoni, Sawah Besar, Mangga Besar, Glodok, Kota, and Kampung Bandan.

The first phase of the MRT, stretching over 16 kilometers from Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, has been under construction since 2013.

The government expect that when it becomes operational by 2019, it will be able to transport up to 173,400 passengers daily on 16 trains.

The trains are designed to cover the distance in 30 minutes, five minutes apart. This will significantly cut travel times, which can currently take up to two hours by car during rush-hour traffic.

Construction of the 87-kilometer third phase from Cikarang east of Jakarta to Balaraja in the west, is scheduled to start in 2020. It is expected to be completed between 2024 and 2027.

Source: ANTARA