Indonesia Delays China-Funded Rail Project’s Trial Run for Passengers

JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia has delayed till subsequent month a free trial launch of its $7.3 billion high-speed rail line, the consortium behind it mentioned on Tuesday, the newest in a collection of setbacks for the flagship, China-funded mission.

PT KCIC, a consortium of Indonesian and Chinese language state firms behind the 142-kilometre (88-mile) railway connecting the Indonesian capital Jakarta and Bandung metropolis, mentioned extra time was wanted to make sure passengers’ security and luxury.

The mission, which is a part of China’s Belt and Street Initiative, was initially set to be accomplished by 2019 however has been beset by issues, together with a $1.2 billion value overrun and delays on its business operation.

A free, restricted trial run for passengers, initially set for Aug. 18, has been postponed to early September, however no delay is predicted to the complete operational launch on Oct. 1, KCIC mentioned on Tuesday.

Security checks had been ongoing as of final Friday, based on transport ministry official Mohamad Risal Wasal.

KCIC mentioned inner trials had gone easily however the firm was nonetheless working with the transport ministry on essential operational certificates.

Chinese language President Xi Jinping advised President Joko Widodo through the Indonesian chief’s journey to China final month that each nations should make sure the mission adheres to excessive requirements because it nears completion.

(Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman; Enhancing by Gayatri Suroyo, Kanupriya Kapoor)

Copyright 2023 Thomson Reuters.