It proves that we are serious in building mass transportation.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi reviewed the construction of Phase II of the Medan-Binjai elevated railway on Saturday along with the Mayor of Medan, Bobby Nasution.
He said he expected the development of the public transportation infrastructure in Medan city to encourage people to switch from private vehicles to mass transportation.
"The construction of mass transportation is needed in Medan city, where traffic jams have started to increase," he added.
The construction of the train line, which has been completed from Kualanamu to Medan, will be continued from Medan to Binjai along the 21.7-kilometer spoor (km’sp), he informed.
"We cannot carry out the development recklessly. It must be beneficial to the community," the minister remarked.
To optimize mass transportation, a number of efforts will need to be implemented, including shortening the waiting time for trains to 15–30 minutes, building more train stations, and ensuring well-developed intermodal integration, he added.
"Through the attempts, it is hoped that mass transportation in Medan city will become better and optimal," he said.
Furthermore, Sumadi lauded the Medan city government for supporting the land acquisition process for the smooth running of the railway project.
“It proves that we are serious in building mass transportation. It is targeted that the Medan-Binjai elevated railway project can be completed in 2024," he said.
On the same occasion, the Mayor of Medan conveyed his gratitude to the central government for paying attention to the development of mass transportation in the city.
He said he expects the number of trains as well as train stations to be increased so that the headway can be shortened.
"We hope that more people in Medan city and its surrounding area will switch from private vehicles to mass transport, such as trains," he added.
The construction of the Medan-Binjai elevated railway infrastructure is among the Transportation Ministry’s priority programs in 2022 for supporting urban areas.
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Translator: Adimas Fahky, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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