We envision the train to be able to transport people from Jakarta to East Java's Surabaya, covering 900 kilometers, in only approximately two hoursJakarta (ANTARA) - Successful development of the Jakarta-Bandung "Whoosh" high-speed train will facilitate the government to carry out development of the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi stated in Jakarta on Wednesday.
"We have already laid down the foundation. Hence, we already have the experience in executing the phases of development, including designing, clearing lands, installing, operating, and communicating with the public. God Willing, we will succeed (in developing the Jakarta-Surabaya train)," he remarked.
According to Sumadi, the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train, expected to span 900 kilometers, will be even more efficient than the Whoosh fast train that connects Jakarta and Bandung, both in terms of the costs and travel time.
"The train system will stretch farther and be better economically. We envision the train to be able to transport people from Jakarta to East Java's Surabaya, covering 900 kilometers, in only approximately two hours. The train's competitiveness will be comparable to that of airplanes," he pointed out.
Related news: Whoosh has served 718 thousand passengers: KCIC
He then underlined the government would invite business actors to participate in developing the high-speed train by investing capital.
"Considering that we have a limitation in the state budget, we will opt for using a creative financing scheme, meaning we will invite investors to take part in connecting Jakarta and Surabaya through the development of the high-speed train," he remarked.
Sumadi stated that the government would initially conduct a design engineering process with investors before proceeding to the tender and construction phases.
He also underlined that the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh high-speed train is a successful story that has drawn the attention of foreign parties.
"No one said that the Whoosh train is bad. Now, it is just a matter of how to maintain the train to ensure its proper operations," he concluded.
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Translator: Kuntum K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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