INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises continues to escort the development of the Jakarta-Bandung rapid train project. The most recent development, tunnel construction (tunnel) is already running in Walini area located in West Bandung and Halim Perdanakusuma area, Jakarta.

The next step after tunnel and elevated construction is track installation, signaling and telecommunication system. Installation phase is targeted to be implemented by mid 2020 and completed by the end of 2020.

To ensure the project, Minister of SOE Rini M. Soemarno, conducted a review to the location of Tunnel Walini in West Bandung, Wednesday (21/03/2018).

According to Rini, Walini and Halim Perdanakusuma areas are included in the strategic point of the entire process of rapid train project development. Tunnel construction is done first because the construction process takes time. "Another point has also begun the construction of elevated railways (elevated)," said Rini.

Train with a speed of 350 km per hour this will shorten the travel time of Jakarta-Bandung to about 45 minutes. This train will be equipped with four stations, namely Halim Station, Karawang Station, Walini Station and Tegalluar Station.

"The fast train line also does not use existing rail lines, but created a new rail line that suits the specifications of the fast train," he said.

Rini hopes that the presence of fast train can provide the choice of public transportation modes by saving travel time, efficiency and providing safe and comfortable transportation for the community.

"The presence of fast train can be an effort to grow the economy along the corridor of Jakarta Bandung through the creation of new economic centers in both the small and medium sized businesses and the surrounding communities," he explained.

This Jakarta-Bandung fast train is the beginning of a fast train development that is long term targeted to operate well in other areas. Jakarta-Bandung railway line chosen to be implemented in advance because it is considered the most prepared from the side of the land, business side, and the overall feasibility.

According to him, fast rail projects can also bring many benefits, such as the creation of the field. In addition, the government requires to maximize local content from labor, construction components to goods and services.

On the other hand, the presence of fast train Jakarta Bandung also can increase state tax revenue. "It's also important, this big investment project does not use the state budget at all, but through B to B loan with low interest," added Rini.