JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) is accelerating plans to extend the electric train (KRL) service from Cikarang to Cikampek as an effort to increase transportation capacity, reduce travel time, and respond to the mobility needs of the people in the Jabodetabek area.
"Regarding the extension of the Jabodetabek Cikarang LRT to Cikampek, we have discussed this electrification with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI)," said Director General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation, Allan Tandiono, in Jakarta, as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, June 28.
According to Allan, the acceleration of the project is being prepared through coordination between PT KAI, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), and the Anagata Nusantara Power Investment Management Agency (BP Danantara).
"And we will accelerate everything," said Allan.
He explained that the acceleration of development was carried out in response to the high demand from the public for faster, more comfortable, and directly connected KRL services to Jakarta.
Until now, the operation of the Jabodetabek KRL is still stopped at the Cikarang Station. This is due to the Cikarang-Karawang track to Karawang-Cikampek not having the necessary electrification network for KRL operation.
When electrification is completed, people in the Cikampek area will be able to use the KRL service directly to Jakarta with a more efficient travel time.
"We will encourage it because there are many people around who ask for this service, because it is hoped that with the electrification of the electric train, the travel time from home around there to the center of Jakarta will be faster," said Allan.
In addition to speeding up the Cikarang-Cikampek KRL project, the government has also started to increase the electrification system of the Green Line Tanah Abang-Rangkasbitung to anticipate the increase in the number of passengers that continues to occur every day.
"As KAI has said, the rush hour is even 161 percent capacity (filled). So this is indeed an issue that we need to find a solution immediately," he said.
The improvement of the electric traction system on the Green Line crossing allows the operation of the KRL series with a longer formation. This step is expected to be able to significantly increase passenger carrying capacity, especially during rush hours.
On the other hand, the government is also accelerating the construction of double-double track (DDT) so that long-distance train tracks can be separated from the KRL track. Thus, train operations are expected to be smoother, safer, and on time.
The separation of the line is also believed to increase the reliability of the national railway system while supporting the plan to develop KRL services to Cikampek without disturbing the travel of intercity trains using the same track.
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