The Jakarta – Surabaya semi-fast train project has officially begun after Indonesian government and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed the ‘Summary Record on the Java North Line Upgrading Project’ on Tuesday (24/9). The signing an agreement marks the initial stages of preparation for this project.

According to the minister of transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, the initial investment value of the project is estimating around Rp90 Trillion. The semi-fast train project will build in the existing railway across the Java Island.

By choosing the existing route, he adds, the ministry can complete 500 to 800 level crossings and eliminating the traffic jams at the railroad crossings. The distance of Jakarta to Surabaya more than 700 kilometer and with the new train the trip could reduce from 10 – 12 hours to around 5 – 6 hours.

Director at the ministry, Danto Restyawan added, that this agreement included formulations related to several technical matters, such as the width of the track, the type of construction, the signaling system, the speed design and the type of rolling stock, the stages of construction, the empowerment of the national railroad industry or local content, as well as project financing schemes through the Government Cooperation with Business Entities.

After the document has been signed, he explained, the next step is conducting the preparatory survey. This phase is carried out by the JICA team which is scheduled to be completed in October 2020.