Minister Ensures Longest Elevated Railway to Operate Early Next Month
- VIVA.co.id/Anisa Aulia
Solo, VIVA – Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi announced on Sunday that Indonesia's longest elevated railway, located at the Joglo intersection in Solo, Central Java, is expected to begin operations by November 1.
The minister made this statement while inspecting the progress of the elevated railway development after traveling from Kadipiro Station aboard a track inspection lorry.
"I came here by lorry, meaning that this railway is practically ready to accommodate the Semarang-Solo route," Minister Sumadi said, as quoted from Antara site.
Menteri Perhubungan (Menhub), Budi Karya Sumadi
- VIVA.co.id/Anisa Aulia
However, he stated that his ministry will first collaborate with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing to conduct a weight test on October 23 and 24 to ensure the railway's feasibility.
The projected November 1 launch depends on the results of the test, he added.
Minister Sumadi expressed hope that the recurring traffic congestion at the intersection will be alleviated once the elevated railway becomes operational and the construction of the underpass is completed.
"This elevated railway is designed to be functional because this area is an epicenter of traffic congestion," he remarked.
He also mentioned that the elevated railway project, valued at IDR 1.2 trillion (US$76.7 million), includes a pair of tracks that will facilitate travel between Solo and Semarang, the province's capital.
According to the Ministry of Transportation's site, the elevated railway stretches 1.8 kilometers, making it the longest of its kind in Indonesia.
During a previous review of the project on April 13, minister Sumadi emphasized that the elevated tracks would help reduce traffic congestion at a nearby level crossing.
"There are seven roads at the Joglo intersection. When a train crosses, it can cause traffic delays of up to 30 minutes. That's why we are innovating by constructing this structure, which can also serve as another icon of Solo," he explained.
He added that the elevated railway is designed to feature symbols of Solo's cultural heritage, such as Sidomukti batik, Klewer Market, and the keraton (royal palace).
