A spokesperson for the Transportation Ministry’s Railway Directorate General, Supandi, said the plan would be implemented after the completion of an ongoing revamp of Manggarai Station.

“By the end of 2021, [long-distance trains] will be redirected to Manggarai. The Manggarai Station revitalization is part of the Manggarai – Cikarang double-double track project to increase its capacity,” Sipandi said on Wednesday, kompas.com reported.

According to Sipandi, Manggarai Station offers expansion potential to increase its capacity, unlike Gambir Station, which is located at the Medan Merdeka square, adjacent to the National Monument and surrounded by key government buildings.

At Manggarai Station, long-distance trains are to be served on the second floor, along with the Bogor commuter line. Meanwhile, the ground floor will serve the Bekasi commuter line and the airport train.

“At Manggarai, there are eight tracks on the ground floor, while 10 tracks will be constructed on the second floor,” he said.

Manggarai Station has been planned as a railway hub since the 1980s. It will also serve as a hub for other modes of transportation.

“It will be the meeting point for long-distance trains, airport trains and commuter line trains. We are also building a Transjakarta bus stop, a skybridge from Manggarai market and a passenger drop-off area. The project aims to lure private vehicle users to shift to public transportation,” Supandi said. (ami)

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