C Kalimantan Set To Start Construction Of Railway Track

Palangka Raya, Sept 24 (Antara) - The Central Kalimantan administration said it is optimistic construction of the first railway tract in that province could start next year. Construction of the 425 kilometer rail tract will be carried out in three phases, Governor Agustin Teras Narang said here on Tuesday. "We are aware the project will need large investment, therefore, comprehensive studies would be needed to ensure that implementation would be smooth," Teras Narang said. The first phase will start from Puruk Cahu leading to Batanjung, to be followed with the track extending from the sub-district of Kudangan to Nanga Bulik and the Kumai port and from Puruk Cahu leading to Tumbang Samba and to Kuala Pembuang. Teras Narang said the Central Kalimantan province is rich in natural resources but most of the natural riches remain untapped because of inadequate infrastructure. Central Kalimantan has many rivers that could be used for transport but problem would come in dry season as the river would be shallow . Railway transport will be the most efficient and effective for transport of goods such as minerals and plantation commodities in the province, Teras Narang said . Highways built in the province have been badly damaged as everyday they are used by heavy duty trucks, he said. With the operation of railway transport, the burden of highway in that province would be much lighter, he said. The draft regulation on the railway project is being discussed and is expected to passed into a regional regulation, he said.