Rail-based transport: Whoosh developer also working on Bali LRT

This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.

Bisnis Indonesia - Transportasi berbasis rel: Pengembang Whoosh ikut garap LRT Bali

5 September 2024

By Rio Sandy and Harian N. Saputra

Bisnis, Jakarta – China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), which worked on the Whoosh high-speed railway, will be involved in the construction of the rail-based mass transportation system in Bali, known as the Bali Urban Subway LRT project.

PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya (SBDJ) President Director Ari Askhara announced that the company has appointed PT Indotek as the main contractor. PT Indotek will collaborate with CRCC and local contractor PT Sinar Bali Bina Karya (Sinar Bali).

The Bali Urban Subway project was initiated by Bali Provincial Government and subsequently taken forward by SBDJ in collaboration with PT Bumi Indah Prima (BIP).

“We see that Indotek has the technical capability to undertake this major project. Meanwhile, we selected CRCC for its reputation as a global railway transportation contractor, boasting more than 200,000 kilometers of experience across over 100 countries,” Ari said on Wednesday (4/9).

He added that Sinar Bali is a local Balinese contractor that has been providing ready-mix and precast concrete since 1995. The selection of this local contractor reflects the consortium's commitment to empowering and developing Balinese resources.

Ari explained that Bali Urban Subway would be constructed in four phases. The first phase includes the I Gusti Ngurah Rai-Kuta Parking Centre-Seminyak-Berawa-Cemagi route, spanning 16 kilometers.

Meanwhile, phase 2 comprises the I Gusti Ngurah Rai-Jimbaran-Unud-Nusa Dua route, which spans 13.5 kilometers. However, phases 3 and 4 are still in the feasibility study stage.

He hopes that the construction phase from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Kuta Parking Centre, as well as the entirety of phase 2, can be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2028.

“Meanwhile, all of phases 1 and 2 are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2031,” he stated.

Phase 1 is expected to progress more slowly due to the presence of hard rock in the soil. In contrast, phase 2 has alluvial soil, which will make the drilling process easier and faster.

Ari explained that the total investment value for phases 1 and 2 reached US$10.8 billion, or approximately Rp167 trillion. The total investment value for all four phases is projected to be US$20 billion.

“To maintain the hopes of the people of Bali for a solution to the severe congestion in the area, we will bring in 10 tunnel boring machines for the project, fully financed by PT BIP as the partner investor,” he stated.

The Bali Urban Subway LRT project was inaugurated during the Ngeruwak Ceremony yesterday. This ceremony marks the official start of the project, which was initiated in February 2024. The Ngeruwak Ceremony, held at Kuta Parking Centre, was attended by Acting Bali Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya.

The project will prioritise a sustainable construction concept that aligns with the values of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasises maintaining balance between the Creator, people, and nature.

“To realise this commitment, the Bali Urban Subway will implement underground construction, which is considered the most suitable for Bali's geographical conditions and cultural context, while also preserving the beauty of the environment,” he stated.

During the occasion, SBDJ Managing Director Pasek Senjaya addressed the public's concerns about the risk of the project disrupting groundwater wells, particularly in the underground areas.

“We will collaborate with the regional drinking water company to increase the capacity of the drinking water provision system for homes around the Bali Urban Subway route,” he stated.

Additionally, he mentioned that the primary pipeline network will also be extended alongside the tunnel construction.

He added that this step would ensure that people can still access drinking water, prevent land subsidence, and reduce pollution. This effort will also mitigate the risk of clean water distribution pipes leaking, thereby making distribution more efficient and optimal.

Free for locals

On the other hand, people with Bali identification cards are planned to be able to ride the Bali Urban Subway LRT for free once it becomes operational. The Bali Provincial Government and investors have agreed to make the service free for residents with Bali identification cards to encourage the use of public transportation among citizens.

Acting Bali Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya explained that the subway, which will be constructed from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to various tourism areas, aims to have 85% of its market share comprised of tourists visiting Bali, both domestic and international.

“I hope locals can ride for free. The 85% of tourists will subsidise the fare for residents with Bali identification cards,” Mahendra explained.

In the Bali LRT plan, residents with Bali identification cards will be able to ride for free, although this is still under consideration. Meanwhile, tourists visiting Bali will be required to pay a tariff of around US$30-US$40, or approximately Rp600,000, per week, not per trip.

This means tourists will only need to purchase a single ticket that they can use unlimitedly for a week. This price is much cheaper compared to other modes of transportation, such as travel services or online ride-hailing services.

On a separate occasion, Railways Director General of the Transportation Ministry Risal Wasal stated that the Bali LRT is part of the Bali Urban Rail initiative, which is a plan to develop mass transportation in Bali.

For example, Risal mentioned that one of the projects under the Bali Urban Rail initiative is the development of feeder transportation for the Bali LRT.

“They will provide feeder services for what we have built. For example, the LRT will only reach [Kuta] Central Park in Bali. From there, they will arrange the onward transportation,” he stated.

He noted that, in the future, Bali Provincial Government, through Bali Urban Rail, will be able to continue the development of the LRT. However, the current focus of Bali Urban Rail is to facilitate access to and from the Bali LRT stations.

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