Japan Keen To Develop Fast Trains In Indonesia

Jakarta, Sept 16 (Antara) - Indonesian Transportation Minister Evert Erenst Mangindaan said Japan is keen to develop fast trains to enhance connectivity between Indonesia cities. "Japan is keen to build fast trains and connect Jakarta to Bandung and Surabaya," added Mangindaan on Monday. He said Indonesia and Japan have discussed and reviewed the fast train route. According to Mangindaan, Japan has the right technology to build super fast trains that travel 300 kilometres an hour. "We hope to implement the super fast train after Indonesia completes the construction of a double train track in North area of Java," said Mangindaan. Mangindaan added that Japan is also keen to build an overpass train track above the double track in the north coast area of Java. The government predicts that the construction of a double track between Jakarta and Surabaya will be completed by the end of this year. "We plan to utilise the double track for container trains to accelerate cargo transportation in Java. We will use the overpass track for passenger trains," said Mangindaan. The government is planning to use the overpass line track for passenger trains travelling between Jakarta and Surabaya and Jakarta and Bandung. Mangindaan has not stated the cost of developing fast train tracks. "We will put forth several options, including the extension of the concession to manage the super fast train service," said the minister, adding that the objective of the system is to reduce high tariffs of the train. Mangindaan said people can save time by travelling in fast trains as the travel time from Jakarta to Surabaya can be reduced to 2.5 hours.