After the construction of the northern double-track route in 2014, we now have the 550-km track covering Cirebon, Purwokerto, Kroya, Yogyakarta, Solo, Madiun, and Jombang
Solo, C Java (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, on Thursday, inaugurated the 550-kilometer (km) southern Java double-track railway project connecting Cirebon in West Java and Jombang in East Java.

"After the construction of the northern double-track route in 2014, we now have the 550-km track covering Cirebon, Purwokerto, Kroya, Yogyakarta, Solo, Madiun, and Jombang," Sumadi noted during the launch held virtually from the Solobalapan railway station in Central Java.

The project will be continued for construction of a 65-km route of Jombang, Mojokerto, and Wonokromo that is projected for completion in the near future, the minister stated.

The project connects three clusters of railway transportation: Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (Jabodetabek); Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang (Joglosemar); and Gresik, Bangkalan, Mojokerto, Surabaya, Sidoarjo and Lamongan (Gerbangkertosusilo).

"The project utilizes the state budget fund worth Rp10 trillion, with total length of the route reaching 615 km," he elaborated.

The double-track railroad is projected to increase rail traffic, from 172 to 221 trains per day.

The project will also include construction of three tunnels: Notog Tunnel, Kebasen, and Ijo.

Construction of the southern Java double-track railway network has become a priority project, as it plays a crucial role for the economy and people's mobility.

"We know that the president already has the five new Bali project, one of them being the Borobudur Temple in Magelang. Tourists landing in Surabaya and Solo can easily reach Borobudur Temple by travelling on this double-track railway network," he added.
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Translator: Aris Wasita, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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