Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Attracts 58,000 Passengers in Its Maiden Month
In a significant milestone for Indonesia’s transportation infrastructure, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR), the first of its kind in the country, has reported the carriage of 58,000 passengers since its commercial operation was initiated earlier this month.
Commonly referred to as “Whoosh,” this Chinese-manufactured HSR has become a symbol of the modernization of Indonesia’s transport network. Emir Monti, the manager of corporate communications at PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a collaborative consortium between Indonesian and Chinese companies responsible for the construction and operation of the HSR, shared the remarkable success of the venture.
Monti highlighted that 58,000 tickets have been sold to date, demonstrating an enthusiastic response from the public. The railway has been consistently serving approximately 7,000 passengers each day, with an impressive average occupancy rate of 90%. This surge in demand prompted the KCIC to expand its daily train services from 14 to 25, ensuring that more passengers can enjoy the high-speed travel experience.
The sudden uptick in passenger numbers can be attributed to a promotional pricing strategy initiated by the KCIC. From October 18 to November 30, travelers can take advantage of a one-way ticket priced at just 150,000 Indonesian rupiah, equivalent to roughly 9 U.S. dollars. This attractive offer has resonated with the public, drawing greater attention to the high-speed rail service.
The Jakarta-Bandung HSR, boasting a design speed of 350 kilometers per hour, spans a length of 142.3 kilometers. This revolutionary transportation link is poised to significantly reduce the travel time between Indonesia’s capital and Bandung in West Java. What once was a journey of over three hours will now be accomplished in approximately 40 minutes, marking a remarkable leap forward in connectivity and convenience for the people of the region.
As the “Whoosh” continues to make waves in Indonesia’s transportation landscape, it serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to modernization and economic growth, with the Jakarta-Bandung HSR representing a groundbreaking development in the country’s infrastructure.
