The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project is apparently making progress since its management signed a memorandum of understanding with state electricity firm PT PLN on power for the new rail-based transportation mode.
The MOU was signed on Monday by PT MRT president director Tribudi Rahardjo and the general manager of PT PLN Jakarta and Tangerang branch, Purnomo Willy, at the MRT booth in the Jakarta Fair area.
After the signing ceremony, Purnomo said in its initial phase, PLN would provide 50 megavolts of electricity for the MRT network, the construction of which is due to commence next year. It is expected to be up and running by 2016.
In 2012, PLN would construct two power stations along the 14.5-kilometer MRT route connecting Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to Dukuh Atas in Central Jakarta, Purnomo said.
"We will use gas isolation technology, which will enable us to build the power plants inside the stations, to accelerate the electricity supply."
PLN will use its Jamali (Jawa-Madura-Bali) networks to supply electricity to the MRT, he added.
The agreement with PLN would accelerate the completion and operation of the MRT project, Tribudi said.
There would be 12 stations along the Lebak Bulus-Dukuh Atas route, comprising eight elevated stations on a 10.5-kilometer stretch of track above ground, and four stations on a 4-kilometer stretch underground.
The track will run from Lebak Bulus and pass through Jl. Fatmawati, Jl. Cipete Raya, Jl. Haji Nawi, Blok A, Blok M, Jl. Sisingamangaraja and Senayan. It will continue through to underground stations in Istora, Bendungan Hilir, Setiabudi, and end at Dukuh Atas.
The MRT is expected to carry up to 340,000 passengers a day, taking 28 minutes from start to finish, with an estimated headway of 4.5 minutes.
The MRT will connect with other transportation services, including the TransJakarta busway.
It is expected to reduce commuters' travel times, improve the city's air quality, and revive the city economy through better mobility.
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