Adi Arnawa Meets KAI to Discuss Tram Operational Plans
The Badung Regency Government (Pemkab) is continuing to finalise plans for the construction of a modern public transport mode to reduce congestion and encourage economic equality in Bali. This strategic step was discussed directly in a recent meeting with the board of directors of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).
“For Bali, apart from the toll road, the priority is building intercity railway connectivity because this will be far more effective. So, people from anywhere who want to work in Badung or Denpasar, or live in Denpasar, the key is the commuter line,” said Badung Bupati I Wayan Adi Arnawa during the meeting with PT KAI directors.
The development of rail-based transport infrastructure is considered one of the main solutions to address development inequality and trigger the growth of new areas. An integrated connectivity system is believed to be capable of driving the local community’s economy more evenly, reaching remote areas.
“A region will develop when there is connectivity with an already developed region, that is the formula. Imagine someone from Klungkung; they can live in Klungkung, earn money in Denpasar, and spend it in Klungkung, so the economy runs,” Adi Arnawa stated.
To support the operation of the tram and mass transit, the Badung Regency Government has designed a plan to widen main roads and provide dedicated lanes. The plan is prepared so that the public transport mode will not get stuck in traffic congestion.
From the total road width to be built of 24 metres, the local government will divide it for a median, pavements, and compliance with the Building Setback Line (GSB).
“If we build a public transport mode without creating a dedicated lane, it will fail. My lesson is, once this becomes a 24-metre road, I will take 1 metre for the median, then 2 metres on the left and right for pavements, and the GSB applies again at 3 metres,” Adi Arnawa explained.
In addition to preparing the road body, the Badung Regency Government is also designing a park-and-ride concept by building integrated terminals in strategic areas. The existence of this parking centre will function as an integration point so that private vehicle users can switch to the tram to reach their destinations.