Waskita accelerates LRT Jakarta Phase 1B construction for August operation

PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk is accelerating construction of the LRT Jakarta Phase 1B Velodrome-Manggarai line so it can begin operations as targeted in August 2026. Waskita Karya Operations Director II Paulus Budi Kartiko stated the company has now completed the installation of a Steel Box Girder above the active Double-Double Track (DDT) at Manggarai. “The installation of the Steel Box Girder above the active Double-Double Track (DDT) railway line at Manggarai has been completed, with a limited window time of less than three hours. The girder installation sequence was carried out without disrupting the operations of commuter line or intercity trains passing through the line,” Paulus said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. According to him, installing the girder without disrupting train traffic on the line demonstrates the company’s high commitment to implementing the Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) system. Despite the project being fast-tracked, the company continues to pay attention to quality standards, worker safety, and minimising negative environmental impacts. The company also recorded an achievement of 7.5 million safe working hours without lost time injury on the LRT Jakarta Phase 1B construction. “This 7.5 million safe working hours achievement is a foundation for implementing the project amidst Jakarta’s dense traffic and limited working space. As is known, the main challenge in working on the Jakarta LRT is urban constraints, including the perpetually congested Jakarta traffic,” Paulus said. “It is scheduled that on 1 August, the slab track work will be completely cast. This will support preparations for train run testing up to Manggarai Station,” Paulus added. He revealed that train runs have already been conducted several times up to Kayu Manis Station. The results of testing the 3.6-kilometre track showed that the transport facility is safe for public use. The company is also continuing to carry out systematic and structured testing of all components, from tracks, signalling, and electricity to communications and operational integration. “Every metre of the LRT Jakarta Phase 1B line is part of Waskita’s responsibility to the public, so we carry it out with full calculation, precision, and always in coordination with Jakpro as the project owner,” Paulus stated. He further emphasised that Waskita Karya is committed to supporting and overseeing the realisation of integrated transportation modes in the capital as a whole. “We are optimistic that the presence of LRT Jakarta Phase 1B will not only add a modern public transport option but also facilitate citizen mobility and encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport,” Paulus concluded.