Double tracks for Depok-Bogor line

Director General of Land Transportation Soejono said the construction of double tracks on the Depok-Bogor route, one of the busiest railway lines in the greater Jakarta area, is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

Soejono said at a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission V on transportation, Thursday, that the state- owned Railway Company, Perumka, has completed the land appropriation process and purchased the required equipment for the project.

Along with the construction of the double tracks on the 30 kilometer route, electric signals will also be installed to replace the existing traffic signs which are operated manually.

Transportation Minister Haryanto Dhanutirto stated last November -- after a tragic accident in Citayam, Depok, which claimed at least 22 lives -- that the government would build double tracks from Depok to Bogor to increase the level of safety on the line.

The project, which is estimated to cost a total of Rp 74 billion (US$ 37 million), will be carried by three state-owned contractors under the Ministry of Public Works --PT Adhi Karya, PT Hutama Karya, and PT Wijaya Karya. (has)