Gov’t mulling plans to build railless train system connecting Ngurah Rai and Sanur
There are always plans right around the corner here in Bali, though whether or not they come to fruition may be another matter altogether, it appears that discussions have started on potentially building an autonomous rail rapid transit (ART) to connect Ngurah Rai International Airport and Sanur in Denpasar.
“There have been talks between PT KAI and the Bali provincial government, where the Bali government plans on building a railway system between the airport and Sanur,” Didiek Hartantyo, director of state-owned train operator PT KAI, said.
“The transportation system will be railless, using a signal system,” he continued, referring to the ART system, which runs on sensors and rubber wheels, and guided by a double-dashed line painted on the street instead of tracks.
Didiek added that the project cost will likely be cheaper as it doesn’t require developing a rail system.
Just to be clear, nothing appears set in stone just yet. The last we heard about a railway system in Bali was back in January, when the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND), along with Korea Rail Network Authority (KRNA) and state-owned construction firm Nindya Karya, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a light rail transit (LRT) in Bali, which was to connect Ngurah Rai and Kuta.
That was preceded by Bali Governor Wayan Koster announcing plans of improving public transportation on the island last May, including those that connect the airport to tourist areas around the island.
Plans for bigger infrastructure projects in Bali are in the cards for sure, as Koster indicated just last weekend that to focus on local resources to develop the economy, integrated and connected infrastructure will be essential.
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