Ministry Issues Operation Permit Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train
- Istimewa
Jakarta – The Indonesian Transportation Ministry has issued an operating permit for the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB) on Tuesday. September 26, 2023.
The operating permit was issued in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Transportation Number KM 114 of 2023 concerning Permits to Operate Public Railway Facilities of Kereta Api Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC).
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Sunday that the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train permit issuance means that the rail service has passed the operational feasibility requirement.
"Alhamdulillah (thank God), all testing and certification have been carried out so that we can issue this operating permit and KCJB can carry out its commercial operation soon," Minister Sumadi said in a statement.
Uji coba Kereta Cepat Jakarta-Bandung (KCJB) Whoosh tahap 2
- VIVA/Trisya Frida
The Minister explained that the fast train commercial operation will be conducted in stages until the ultimate scenario of 68 trips per day.
His side will provide a feeder rail to facilitate Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train passengers reaching Bandung City from the Padalarang Station.
"This gradual operation is carried out to let the operator adjust and maximize services,"
Furthermore, to attract public interest in riding the Whoosh, Minister said that the ticket costs will be discounted for the initial operations.
Minister Sumadi also expected that PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC) as KCJB operator can prepare a commercial operation that will be inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
"Hopefully, Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train can be used by the general public and positively contribute to the nation's economic growth," Minister expressed.
Earlier, Minister Sumadi said that the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train, the current fastest train in Southeast Asia, is called "Whoosh", whose name comes from the sound of a fast train.
Kereta Cepat Jakarta Bandung bernama Whoosh
- VIVA/Mohammad Yudha Prasetya
Whoosh stands for "Time Saving, Optimal Operation, Reliable System" in Indonesian.
As information, Whoosh is the first high-speed train service in Indonesia and Southeast Asia that will operate at a speed of up to 350 km/hour.
The entire Whoosh route is as far as 142.3 km with 13 tunnels and stops at four stations, namely Halim, Karawang, Padalarang, and Tegalluar.
Meanwhile to improve connectivity, Whoosh stations will be integrated with the Greater Jakarta LRT, feeder train, the Greater Bandung Commuter Line, bus rapid transit, shuttle, and taxi.
