MRT project slated for April 2009

Mon, 05/05/2008 11:23 AM  |  City

JAKARTA: Governor Fauzi Bowo said Sunday the first phase of mass rapid transit (MRT) or subway project would begin construction in April 2009.

The first phase of the subway will run from Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to Dukuh Atas in Central Jakarta.

"I'm sure the construction won't be interrupted by the general election because we have it scheduled," Fauzi told reporters.

On May 5, the administration will complete a bylaw to determine the legal status of PT MRT, the company to lead the project. The city administration is now the majority shareholder of the company.

Currently, the only investor interested in financing the system is Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Fauzi said the administration would sign a letter of agreement with JBIC as soon as possible.

According to Fauzi, JBIC had also discussed the possibility of the subway project's second phase that will run from Dukuh Atas to Kota, West Jakarta.

"Besides a huge capacity, the subway is also quick, which will meet the needs of Jakartans. It's also space and energy efficient," he said. -- JP

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