Palembang LRT to act as model for further construction

Jumat, 19 Agustus 2016 12:58 WIB

Development of Light Rail Transit (Foto Antarasumsel.com/Nova Wahyudi/16/den)

Palembang, S.Sumatra, Aug 18 (Antara) - Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, has said the development of Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Palembang City, South Sumatra province will act as a role model for other regions as this is the first such construction project.

"It is expected that the LRT construction project in Palembang will motivate other regions to develop their transportation infrastructures and facilities," the minister said here on Wednesday.

He added that the LRT project will be the first such construction outside the capital city of Jakarta.

According to Budi, the construction of LRT in Palembang is a good idea because it will be constructed before the city starts experiencing traffic congestion.

"It so right that we make Palembang a model of LRT construction for other regions," he added.

Besides supporting public transportation service in Palembang, LRT is also being prepared for the Asian Games 2018 to mobilize the athletes and officials during the sporting event.

In the future, there will be an additional LRT corridor, the minister said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of South Sumatra, Alex Noerdin, said LRT is being built in anticipation of the traffic congestion.

Based on research, Palembang`s traffic will become totally congested by 2019.

Constructing a LRT is one of efforts being made to deal with this eventuality, Alex stated.