Transport Minister Reports to President on Progress of Level Crossing Closures

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has reported to President Prabowo Subianto on the progress of level crossing closures, with work completed at 172 locations and a further 490 in progress. “We provided an update to him that we are making rapid progress on these level crossings,” Minister Dudy Purwagandhi told reporters following a meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday. He explained that 172 level crossings have already been closed, 490 are in the process of being closed, with 1,148 remaining to be shut. “The most are in Jakarta, Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) has the most. There are 166 (crossing barriers),” said Dudy. In addition, there are also plans to ensure Manggarai Station becomes a hub. The issue of level crossings has come under the spotlight recently, given the persistent dangers posed by potential accidents between trains and other vehicles. According to government data, out of a total of 3,674 recorded level crossings, as many as 1,810 are unguarded. Of that figure, 172 crossings have a road width of less than two metres, whilst the other 1,638 have a road width exceeding two metres.