Build Trans-Sumatra Railway, Lampung Provincial Government Asks For Central Assistance

Illustration of the high-speed train (ANTARA)

BANDARLAMPUNG - The Lampung Provincial Government (Pemprov) is submitting another plan to the Central Government for the construction of the Trans-Sumatra Railway to support the development of mass transportation.

"The Lampung Provincial Government has sent a letter to the center regarding the planned construction of the Trans-Sumatra Railway, which was initiated several years ago," said Head of the Lampung Provincial Transportation Service Bambang Sumbogo in Bandarlampung, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 31.

He said the railway line from Bakauheni to Palembang, which is planned to be built parallel to the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, will support the development of public transportation in its area.

"So, at this time we remind you again to develop this mass transportation in Sumatra, especially in Lampung. Because this train will become cheap transportation and can transport many people," he said.

He explained that through the plan to build a railway line between regions in Sumatra, this could solve the problem of overloading vehicles that were the cause of road damage.

"This can solve the ODOL problem, so all the burdens are not put all on the road, if there is a line, it can also be used to transport logistics. And, indeed we need reliable transportation to support activities," he said.

According to him, rail transportation in the area is one of the reliable transportation. With the number of users reaching 1,500-1,800 people per day.

"During Eid transportation and during regular Kuala Stabas trains in Lampung, especially the New Raja-Martapura-Kota Bumi-Tanjung Karang route, a day can be 1,500-1,800 people or it can be said that the occupancy reaches 90 percent. This can help workers from Central Lampung Regency, Bumi City, and Way Kanan," he added.

He also hopes that the plan to build a railway line between regions in Sumatra can be realized, thus helping to support the development of mass transportation.