Ministry Of Transportation Kaji Extension Of KRL To Merak Routes

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) opens the opportunity to extend the Commuter Line electric train (KRL) route to the Merak area, Banten. This plan is included in the reactivation study of a number of unused train lines.

Director General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation Risal Wasal said that the plan to extend this route will further develop the KRL Commuter Line coverage. This is because currently, KRL services have only reached Rangkasbitung Station, Lebak Regency, Banten.

For your information, Rangkasbitung Station is the last stop for the Tanah Abang-Rangkasbitung route. Customers who want to continue their journey to Merak, must use a local train (KA).

"And it's also included in Merak. If it is possible that Merak with our reactivation will extend the KRL, it will develop us more," said Risal when met at Jakarta Kota Station, Tuesday, April 22.

Regarding the plan, Risal said the Ministry of Transportation would coordinate with other relevant ministries/agencies. He revealed that his party has also communicated with the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP).

Furthermore, Risal said the PKP Ministry plans to build housing in the Merak area, Banten. Therefore, he said the PKP Ministry asked for support from the transportation side so that KRL could be extended to Merak.

"We have to synergize with other ministries, the Ministry of Housing is also directed at Merak, and they ask for our support on how we can extend the KRL to Merak for us to do," he said.

Previously, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) or KAI Commuter confirmed that they would not import the former electric train (KRL) from abroad. This step is an investment plan carried out by the company in the next few years.

The President Director of KAI Commuter, Asdo Atriviyanto, revealed that it had been decided not to bring in used trains from abroad since 2023. Therefore, KAI Commuter chose to import a number of train sets from a Chinese manufacturer, CRRC Qingdao Sifang.

"In the era of 2023 to 2027, we have prepared investments in several new trains, so we are no longer buying trains that are no longer new," said Asdo when met at Jakarta Kota Station, Tuesday, April 22.