Perumka prepares more double tracks

JAKARTA (JP): State railway company Perumka will build a 135- kilometer double-track railway line between Cikampek and Cirebon in West Java.

Perumka said the project was scheduled to be finished by 2001.

The first segment, linking Cikampek and Haurgeulis (54 km), will be financed by Japan's Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund.

The second segment (32 km) will link Haurgeulis and Telagasari.

The third segment (48 km) linking Telagasari and Cirebon is expected to be funded by British government loans.

According to Perumka's reports to House Commission V, the tracks between Telagasari and Arjawinagun will be completed this fiscal year.

Perumka said it would also reopen railway services in Aceh in northern Sumatra, and set up new routes between Citayam and Cibinong in West Java and between Medan and Gabion in North Sumatra.

The company will also improve railway tracks between Tebingtinggi and Bandartinggi in North Sumatra, Telukbayur and Sawahlunto in West Sumatra, Panjang and Kertapati in South Sumatra, Duri and Tangerang in Greater Jakarta, Bogor and Yogyakarta in West and Central Java, and Wonokromo and Bangil in East Java.

Next year Perumka plans to become a limited liability company to allow it to operate fully as a business enterprise. Currently the company has semi-liability status.

The company's activities are overseen directly by the government.

"The government has ruled that Perumka must arrange its service 60 percent for economy class and 40 percent for commercial activities," the company said.

The company said most of its crossings were unattended.

"The are 3,529 crossings on Java of which 840 are attended and 2,266 unattended. The other 423 are unauthorized crossings."

In Jakarta there are 516 crossings, but only 157 are attended, 209 unattended and 150 unauthorized.

There are 432 crossings in Bandung, West Java, of which 74 are attended, 357 unattended and 1 unauthorized.

In Surabaya, of 705 crossings, 163 are attended, 425 unattended and 115 unauthorized.

Perumka said it was still looking for investors for its express train between Jakarta and Surabaya.

"Perumka has conducted a feasibility study. Passengers and cargo will grow significantly by 2003."

Three concepts were prepared by Perumka based on speed including 160 kph, 200 kph and 300 kph. (icn)