REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA - The Indonesian Railway Company (KAI) is planning to build electric train (KRL) lines connecting Yogyakarta and Solo.

"The results of a study and detail engineering design for the construction of electric train lines has been proposed (to the House of Representatives). We are waiting for the DPR`s approval to ensure the fund for the project," director general of train safety at the Transportation Ministry Hermanto Dwi Atmoko said on Monday.

He said if the plan was approved by the House of Representative, the construction of 120-km electric train lines could be started in 2014. The construction of every kilometer of electric train lines would cost 3.5 billion IDR, he said. 

"If the construction work can be carried out according to schedule, the electric train lines will go into service in 2017," he said.

The fares of the electric train will be cheaper than those of short-distance commuter trains which currently serve the lines, such as Prambanan Express and Sriwedari, which reach 10,000 IDR and 20,000 IDR respectively. After the Yogyakarta-Solo electric train lines have been completed, KAI will develop similar lines connecting Yogyakarta and Kutoarjo, he said.

Meanwhile, KAI will also resume the construction of Kutoarjo-Kroya double tracks in November. The project is expected to completed in three years.

"We will also resume the construction of Purwokerto-Cirebon double tracks so in 2018 the railway lines linking Jakarta to Solo will be double tracks," Haryanto, head of the ministry`s work unit for Java`s southern railway lines Haryanto said.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika