Indonesian President Joko Widodo officially inaugurated the much-anticipated "Whoosh" high-speed railway on October 2, a $7.3bn infrastructure project that connects the nation's capital, Jakarta, with the bustling city of Bandung. The railway, backed by China as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, marks a significant step towards advancing Indonesia's transportation infrastructure, but its journey has been marred by a series of challenges and delays.
The "Whoosh" high-speed railway spans an impressive 142 kilometers (88.23 miles) and is touted as one of President Jokowi's flagship infrastructure projects. The inauguration comes several years behind the original target for its operational launch, which had been set for 2019.
"The name is inspired by the sound of a rushing high-speed train," President Jokowi explained the intriguing name choice during the launch.
The railway has a maximum operating speed of 350 kilometers per hour (217 mph), marking a significant leap forward in modernizing Indonesia's mass transportation network while emphasizing its environmentally friendly nature.
Senior Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, who has been overseeing the project's development, announced during the launch that free trial rides on the "Whoosh" bullet train had commenced in the second week of September and would be extended. Additionally, ticket prices are expected to be implemented in mid-October, marking a transition from the trial phase to full-scale commercial operations.
The "Whoosh" high-speed railway project encountered a range of challenges during its development, including land procurement issues, pandemic-related delays, and budgetary concerns. Nevertheless, the project's completion represents a significant milestone in Indonesia's pursuit of modernizing its transportation infrastructure.
A consortium of Indonesian and Chinese companies collaborated to construct the railway, exemplifying the strong partnership between the two nations. The project's successful inauguration is seen as a testament to the potential benefits of international cooperation in the development of critical infrastructure projects.
The "Whoosh" high-speed railway is expected to facilitate faster and more efficient transportation between Jakarta and Bandung, reducing travel time and boosting economic connectivity between these two vital cities.
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