In a statement received from the ministry's public relations here on Saturday, Minister Sumadi informed that his side is still evaluating a loan amounting to Rp1.8 trillion (US$110 million) from the World Bank given to finance the public transportation infrastructure in the two cities.
"We will improve public transportation infrastructure in the two cities by using the fund," he said.
He also encouraged the optimization of urban mass transportation in Medan city.
He made the statement after visiting the Amplas Terminal in Medan to check the development of public transportation on Friday.
Sumadi said that the funding support from the World Bank will be used for the construction of a bus depot facility, pedestrian paths, and bus stops, and the repair of the City Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor in Medan.
"The Rp1.8 trillion is not only for the depot, as it only costs Rp300 billion. There will be a repair of a 10-kilometer BRT corridor including walking paths, iconic bus stops, and so on," he informed.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the depot will be equipped with a Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU).
This is in line with the city government's plan to take over BRT management from the central government on August 17, 2024, and the conversion of BRT buses to electric-powered buses.
Minister Sumadi said that his side is open to collaborating with other parties interested in the use of creative funding and developing the available land at the Amplas Terminal.
"They can build hotels, offices, and hospitals, so that the land owned by the government can be productive," he added.
Related news: Minister assures of accelerated licensing for Bali Urban Rail project
Related news: Nusantara's trackless train project trial to be conducted in August
Translator: M Harianto, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
