Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Saturday reviewed the progress of the Makassar-Parepare railway project, which is one of the National Strategic Projects, in South Sulawesi.
There are three main targets under the Makassar-Parepare railway project, he informed. The first target is the completion of the Maros-Barru railway, which is approximately 71 kilometers long.
The route from Maros to Barru stations covers eight stations, and passenger trains are expected to start running on the route in October this year.
"After two years of the pandemic, it turns out that the (progress) of this project is very significant. It is planned that in October, the train will start operating," Sumadi said in an official statement received here on Saturday.
The trains would also function as tourist trains, ferrying travelers to some tourist attractions in South Sulawesi, such as the Barru district area and the Rammang-Rammang tourist village.
"I encourage the regional government and tourism stakeholders to develop tourism here, starting from the culinary arts, also the scenic mountains, rice fields, and the sea," the minister said.
Minister Sumadi further informed that the second target is to build a lane connecting Garongkong Port and the Semen Tonasa (Maros-Pangkep-Barru) factory to cater to logistics transportation, as well as extending the railway line from Maros Station to Mandai Station, which is set for completion in March 2023.
The logistics train is deemed vital for South Sulawesi as it would transport commodities such as coal, cement, and others to Garongkong Port.
The project is expected to give rise to new economic centers in South Sulawesi.
The third target is to continue the construction of the railway line from Barru Station to Pallanro Station. Later, the railway will be approximately 110 km long, stretching from Mandai (Makassar) to Pallanro stations. It is scheduled to become operational in the second quarter of 2024.
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During the review on Saturday, Governor of South Sulawesi, Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, commended the central government’s commitment to ensuring the continuity of the national strategic project.
He said that his administration will support the completion of the project by providing assistance in terms of land acquisition, as well as other things, such as the development of tourist areas.
"This was a breakthrough from the government of Mr. President Jokowi (Joko Widodo) through Mr. Transportation Minister. This was the first train in Eastern Indonesia. Hopefully, this (contribution) can facilitate the dynamics of South Sulawesi people," he added.
During the review, the minister inspected Tenate Rilau Station and boarded an inspection train from the Transportation Ministry destined for Garongkong Harbor Station, Barru district.
Director general of railways, Zulfikri; president director of PT KAI, Didiek Hartantyo; and head of Barru district, Suardi Saleh, were also present for the review.
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