Indonesia's new high-speed Jakarta-Bandung Railway is poised to transform commuting patterns and challenge car dependency, according to Transportation Minister Budi Karya. The $6 billion project, connecting Jakarta to Bandung in under 40 minutes at speeds up to 350 km/h, aims to reduce traffic congestion that costs Southeast Asia's largest economy $5 billion annually.
Minister Budi highlighted that 87% of Greater Jakarta residents currently rely on private vehicles, contributing to chronic gridlock. 'This railway isn't just infrastructure – it's a catalyst for behavioral change,' he stated, noting projections of 30,000 daily passengers potentially offsetting 50,000 car trips. The project aligns with Indonesia's climate goals, potentially cutting 28,000 tons of CO2 emissions yearly by 2030.
Young urban professionals and digital nomads are already eyeing Bandung's tech hubs and creative districts as viable workspaces thanks to improved connectivity. The railway also features contactless ticketing and IoT-enabled systems, appealing to tech-savvy commuters.
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Jakarta-Bandung Railway may bring new travel habits to local people
cgtn.com
