Minister Inaugurates Merak-Madiun Train Operation

Cilegon, Banten, July 24 (Antara) - Transportation Minister EE Mangindaan here on Wednesday inaugurated the operation of Krakatau Express Train to link Merak in Banten Province and Madiun in East Java. The minister dispatched the train from Merak railway station at 8.45 am local time, that would take about 16 hours to arrive in Madiun or at 00.30 am. On the occasion Magindaan said the operation of the Krakatau Express Train, with the fare of Rp180,000 per passenger, was a concrete manifestation and the commitment from the government to meet the public need of long-distance railway transportation service, especially during 2013 Lebaran holiday exodus. "With the operation of this train, we hope it will meet the need of this year`s Lebaran holiday travelers for railway transportation service," the minister noted. The two sets of train with 10 carriages each will alternately serve Merak to Madiun route and likewise. Meanwhile, Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah positively welcomed the operation of the new train, and expressed her hope that it would solve the transportation problem. "The operation of the new train service is expected to solve the problem of transportation facility for the holiday travelers who would like to return to their hometowns the celebrate Lebaran with their family and relatives," the governor said.