Banten Provincial Government Prepares Electrification for Rangkasbitung–Merak Railway

Serang (ANTARA) - The Banten Provincial Government is currently preparing a feasibility study (FS) to accelerate the electrification project and the construction of a double track for the Rangkasbitung–Merak railway route.

Banten Governor Andra Soni, speaking in Serang on Friday, stated that the preparation of this feasibility study is a concrete step by the region to propose the enhancement of rail-based public transport services to the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub).

“This is an effort to communicate to the central government regarding the needs for public transport, including the double track and further electrification from Rangkasbitung to Merak,” said Andra during the opening of a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Serang City.

The electrification project for the Rangkasbitung–Merak line is estimated to require an investment of approximately Rp1.29 trillion. Through this development, daily service capacity is projected to surge significantly from 9,900 to 18,000 passengers.

“The development of this rail infrastructure is planned to be carried out in stages, starting from the Rangkasbitung–Serang section, before proceeding towards Cilegon and up to Merak Port,” he added.

Budi further noted that alongside the plans for double-track connectivity and KRL electrification, the Serang City Government also intends to revitalise Cipocok Jaya Station to strengthen the connectivity of local transport modes.