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LRT Project in Batam enters feasibility study stage
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I
nfrastructure in Batam, especially roads, is one of the main development priorities for the Batam Development Authority (BP Batam). The total length of roads that BP Batam has built amounts to 1,676 kilometers, which consists of 474 km of arterial roads, 352 km of collector roads and 850 km of local roads.
Batam is currently classified as a congestion-free city because of the adequate infrastructure, with wide roads of up to five lanes, not only to accommodate the needs of the community, but also for industrial purposes.
Towards Batam Kota Baru, or Batam New City, targeted for 2029, BP Batam will build modern transportation, in the form of Light Rapid Transit (LRT) in Batam, which will connect strategic points in the city, such as densely populated areas, offices, shopping centers, airports, ports and other public facilities.
Head of public relations, promotion and protocol of BP Batam Ariastuty Sirait said that BP Batam is finalizing plans to build the LRT project.
Currently, the plan to develop modern transportation has entered the feasibility study preparation stage carried out by the consortium from STRIDES, Singapore.
"So we are now waiting for the results from the feasibility study team," said Ariastuty on Monday.
She added that there is no target for when the feasibility study will be completed. BP Batam, will wait for the presentation of the study. The final results will entail financial, technical and environmental feasibility.
“The target for the presentation is by the end of this month. Or next month, after Sept. 28th,” she said.
She added that after the feasibility study is completed, BP Batam will evaluate the documents from the report. Furthermore, from this evaluation, an auction document will be prepared.
The construction of the LRT was initiated by the Chairman of BP Batam, Muhammad Rudi. It is an effort to reduce congestion and make Batam a modern city.
If the current construction of roads up to five lanes is not balanced with mass transportation, it will result in traffic congestion in the next few years. The LRT is one solution to anticipate future traffic jams.
This is in line with Batam's population growth, increasing investment value in Batam, in addition to visits from foreign and domestic tourists, which reach millions every year, because Batam is also developing its tourist destinations.
