Train Line to Garut Reactivated After 40 Years Not Operated

TheIndonesia.id - Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi together with Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir inaugurated the Garut Station and Reactivation of the Garut-Cibatu Railway Line, Thursday. The Minister of Transportation said the reactivation of this line would allow the people of Garut and its surroundings to enjoy affordable train services.

"The people of Garut should be proud of the realization of this reactivation. This is in line with President Joko Widodo's vision and mission, especially in realizing rail connectivity," said Budi Karya in his speech, Thursday, March 24, 2022.

Not only the inauguration of the railway line the Minister of Transportation also inaugurated the Cikuray and Garut Cibatuan trains. The Minister of Transportation said that the reactivation of the line which had not been operating for 40 years was expected to encourage people to switch to using trains to and from Garut.

The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Railways also provides support in the form of public service obligation (PSO) subsidies. This PSO subsidy will later be able to reduce the price of train tickets for the Pasar Senen-Garut relation so that it is more affordable in the hope of attracting public interest.

In addition, he also hopes that the tourism potential in Garut can be lifted with the reactivation of the lines and trains. "Our determination at the Ministry of Transportation is to continue to achieve connectivity through various modes of transportation throughout the country," he said.

Meanwhile, SOE Minister Erick Thohir said collaboration was the key to success in reviving the railway line which had not been operating for 40 years. He said that the shared vision of all stakeholders including Ministries/Agencies, Regional Governments, and the community was urgently needed to revive regional tourism which had been affected by the pandemic.

"I believe that this reactivation will create job opportunities and improve the community's economy," said Erick.

He said the reactivation of this route was considered important to support the Garut Regency Tourism Strategic Area (KSPK). Community connectivity from and to railway stations in Cibatu to Garut is one of the important things to optimize tourism potential in the area.

"I and the Minister of Transportation will continue to collaborate in other areas," he said.

Also attending the event were Spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation Adita Irawati, Garut Regent Rudy Gunawan, Director General of Railways Zulfikri, and PT KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo.