Indonesian president unveils China-funded high-speed rail
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Indonesian president unveils China-funded high-speed rail

Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway, a significant project under China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, had been inaugurated and was about to commence commercial operations. This railway, spanning 142 kilometres (88 miles), connects Jakarta to Bandung, the densely populated capital of West Java province.

Despite facing delays and escalating costs, the project, which dramatically reduces travel time between the two cities, has received its official operating license from the Transportation Ministry. Widodo, who has been a staunch supporter of the project, celebrated the inauguration.

The $7.3 billion endeavour, primarily funded by China, was executed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, also known as PT KCIC. PT KCIC is a joint venture involving an Indonesian consortium comprising four state-owned companies and China Railway International. While skeptics have raised concerns about the railway's commercial viability, the president has remained steadfast in his endorsement.

The high-speed railway, which utilizes electrical energy, is anticipated to significantly decrease carbon emissions. Its completion marks a crucial milestone in enhancing transportation between Jakarta and Bandung, reducing the travel time from the current three hours to approximately 40 minutes.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway, a significant project under China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, had been inaugurated and was about to commence commercial operations. This railway, spanning 142 kilometres (88 miles), connects Jakarta to Bandung, the densely populated capital of West Java province. Despite facing delays and escalating costs, the project, which dramatically reduces travel time between the two cities, has received its official operating license from the Transportation Ministry. Widodo, who has been a staunch supporter of the project, celebrated the inauguration. The $7.3 billion endeavour, primarily funded by China, was executed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, also known as PT KCIC. PT KCIC is a joint venture involving an Indonesian consortium comprising four state-owned companies and China Railway International. While skeptics have raised concerns about the railway's commercial viability, the president has remained steadfast in his endorsement. The high-speed railway, which utilizes electrical energy, is anticipated to significantly decrease carbon emissions. Its completion marks a crucial milestone in enhancing transportation between Jakarta and Bandung, reducing the travel time from the current three hours to approximately 40 minutes.

Next Story
Resources

Skyview by Empyrean is Making Benchmarks in the Indian Ropeway Industry

FIL Industries Private Limited, the parent company of Empyrean Skyview Projects that pioneered ropeway mobility solutions in India with Jammu’s Skyview Gondola, is currently developing the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway and is on track to complete Phase I by September 2026. The ropeway is set to be India’s longest passenger aerial monocable covering 5.8 km between the foothills of Dehradun in Purkulgam and MDDA taxi stand in the hills of Mussoorie in just under 20 minutes. The firm pioneered green mobility solutions in India with the development of the flagship Skyview Gondola in Jam..

Next Story
Technology

Creativity is for Humans, Productivity is for Robots!

On most construction sites, the rhythm of progress is measured by the clang of steel, the hum of machinery and the sweat of thousands. But increasingly, new sounds are entering the mix: the quiet efficiency of algorithms, the hum of drones overhead, and the precision of robotic arms at work. Behind the concrete and cables, an invisible force is taking hold: data. It is turning blueprints into living simulations, managing fleets of machines, and helping engineers make decisions before a single brick is laid. This is not the construction of tomorrow; it is the architecture of today – built on ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bhartiya Urban Unveils ‘Bhartiya Converge’ GCC Enablement Platform

Bhartiya Urban has launched Bhartiya Converge, its latest business venture designed to become India’s premier platform for enabling Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The initiative offers an integrated ecosystem aimed at helping global clients gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Focused on enhancing turnaround time and operational efficiencies, the company seeks to deliver better business outcomes powered by top-tier talent. Bhartiya Converge presents a customised and integrated suite of microservices that addresses the nuanced and evolving operational..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?