Fate of Jakarta-Surabaya High-Speed Train Revealed by Ministry of Transportation, Still Awaiting Study and Whoosh's Financial Condition
The Ministry of Transportation has spoken out about the fate of the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train. The government is still focused on evaluating and the financial condition of Whoosh before proceeding with the project to East Java.
UPDATEYU.ID - The plan to build the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train is once again in the spotlight after the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) spoke about the continuation of the project. Although the discourse of extending the Whoosh line to East Java is still part of the government's long-term plan, its realization will not happen in the near future.
The government is currently prioritizing the evaluation of the operational and financing conditions of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project, or Whoosh, before proceeding to the next development phase.
Government's Focus Still on Whoosh Evaluation
Several government officials have previously emphasized that the development of a high-speed train towards Surabaya remains part of the national transportation development vision. However, various aspects still need to be studied, including the project's feasibility, funding schemes, and the financial condition of the already operational Whoosh project.
The government also assesses that the operational success of Whoosh will be one of the important factors in determining the steps for developing the high-speed train network to other regions in Java Island.
Surabaya Line Still Part of Long-Term Plan
The Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train plan has actually been discussed by the government several times in recent years. Several route options have been studied, including routes passing through the Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, and Surabaya regions.
This development is considered to have the potential to significantly reduce travel time between Jakarta and Surabaya compared to the conventional train services currently operating. However, to date, there has been no final decision regarding the construction schedule or its financing model.
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Ministry of Transportation States Study is Ongoing
The Ministry of Transportation emphasizes that the high-speed train project towards Surabaya is still in the discussion and further study phase. The government wants to ensure that the project to be undertaken has strong economic benefits and is supported by a healthy financing scheme.
Therefore, the public is asked to wait for the results of a more comprehensive study before the government makes a decision regarding the continuation of the high-speed train project to Surabaya. (*)
