Bali Tram Project to Begin Construction in 2027

Construction of the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system, a mass transport mode replacing the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Bali, is targeted to begin in 2027. Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated that the development of the ART or Bali tram, which will connect the Kuta and Canggu areas, will commence once the regulatory framework is complete. “The ART will start in 2027. The Gubernatorial Regulation is currently being processed,” Koster said in an interview following the Inauguration and Swearing-in Ceremony of the Bali Regional Board of the Indonesian Export Companies Association (DPD GPEI) for the 2026-2031 term in Kuta, Badung, on Thursday (6/8/2026). Koster explained that ART was chosen to replace the MRT based on various considerations, primarily because it is significantly cheaper and easier to construct. “Yes, because it is far more efficient and technologically simpler,” said the two-term Bali Governor. Koster noted that the government is currently preparing regulations regarding the utilisation of underground space. “A regulation on underground space utilisation is being drafted. A Gubernatorial Regulation is being designed because it has not yet been regulated in the spatial plan,” he said. The tram is planned to be built and operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and will run on a dedicated track. “For Bali, besides the toll road, the priority is to build intercity railway connectivity because this will be far more effective. So that people from anywhere who want to work in Badung or Denpasar, or live in Denpasar, can commute easily,” said Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa after meeting with PT KAI directors. To support the tram’s operation, the Badung Regency administration has designed plans to widen main roads and provide dedicated lanes to prevent the public transport system from getting stuck in traffic. From a total road width of 24 metres, the local government will allocate space for a median, pavements, and building setback lines.