Government reviews DDT construction following East Bekasi train collision
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, stated that the government is reviewing the development of double-double track (DDT) lines as part of a comprehensive evaluation following the train collision in East Bekasi.
“Clearly, we are considering the development of that DDT,” said the man commonly known as AHY at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He added that, in addition to developing existing lines, the government is also considering building new lines and reactivating tracks that have been non-functional.
He noted that finalising the grand plan for railway development would still require time.
“But, of course, it will take time to complete the grand plan for railway development, both for existing lines and new developments, as well as reactivation of tracks that have been non-functional so far. We will report on it later,” he said.
Previously, Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission V Andi Iwan Darmawan Aras urged the acceleration of separating operational lines for electric rail trains (KRL) and intercity trains following the train accident in the East Bekasi area, West Java.
“Separation of operational lines must be a priority. Completing the DDT Jakarta-Cikarang project will not only increase capacity but also safety,” said Andi in Jakarta on Monday (11/5).
According to him, the accident in East Bekasi highlights systemic pressures on rail lines in urban areas, thus requiring a comprehensive evaluation of the railway safety system.
He also urged an evaluation covering the safety system from planning, monitoring, to response in chain disruption conditions.
According to him, railway safety cannot rely solely on daily operational discipline but must also be viewed as the system’s ability to detect, isolate, and break risks from the initial occurrence of disruptions.
In addition to urging the separation of operational lines, he also highlighted the issue of level crossings, which are still considered accident-prone points.
“Level crossings must be addressed immediately. Issues like this still occur frequently and have the potential to cause accidents,” he said.