JAKARTA. Given the multitude of cheaper and environmentally friendlier rail links that could be built between Jakarta and Bandung, experts have criticized the government’s decision to build a Chinese-sponsored high-speed railway, saying it is too expensive and risks destroying natural water reserves. The cost of the project stands at around Rp 78 trillion, with passenger projection of only 29,000 people per day, according to Gadjah Mada University transportation researcher Danang Parikesit. “Let’s say we built a medium-speed rail link there, with improvements such as a straighter line and signal upgrades. The average speed could be increased from the current 60 kilometers per hour to 120. The cost would be only around Rp 7 trillion,” Danang told thejakartapost.com on Friday.
High-speed rail expensive, destructive: Observers
JAKARTA. Given the multitude of cheaper and environmentally friendlier rail links that could be built between Jakarta and Bandung, experts have criticized the government’s decision to build a Chinese-sponsored high-speed railway, saying it is too expensive and risks destroying natural water reserves. The cost of the project stands at around Rp 78 trillion, with passenger projection of only 29,000 people per day, according to Gadjah Mada University transportation researcher Danang Parikesit. “Let’s say we built a medium-speed rail link there, with improvements such as a straighter line and signal upgrades. The average speed could be increased from the current 60 kilometers per hour to 120. The cost would be only around Rp 7 trillion,” Danang told thejakartapost.com on Friday.