The LRT Jakarta Phase 1B construction keeps being accelerated. Most recently, the progress achieved a significant achievement of 27.76 percent in the third week of September 2024.

This construction supports Jakarta as a competitive global city

According to the timeline for Phase 1B LRT line from Velodrome to Rawamangun, track testing will be conducted in September 2024. Meanwhile, the line to Manggarai is targeted to start operating in 2026.

The Jakarta LRT Phase 1B project is being worked on from two sides, namely from the Velodrome - Pramuka zone and the Pramuka - Manggarai zone. Its construction from Velodrome - Manggarai aims to support Manggarai as a central station.

Jakpro Group's Technical and Development Director, Dian Takdir said his party understood the inconvenience felt by residents and road users along Velodrome - Manggarai route related to the congestion that occurred.

According to him, this condition was difficult to avoid, considering that the construction of LRT Phase 1B was taking place on a protocol road that was the main connection between East Jakarta - North Jakarta and Central Jakarta - South Jakarta.

"We continue to minimize the impact of congestion by coordinating with Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub), local regional apparatus, and related SKPDs periodically. We are committed, the construction prioritizes the safety of residents and road users. Thereby, we also urged road users to find alternative routes, especially during busy times or rush hours," he explained, Friday (10/4).

He went on to say that the inconvenience to residents and road users along LRT Jakarta Phase 1B project on the Velodrome-Manggarai route was only temporary. He assessed, it is a solution to traffic congestion that is more environmentally friendly, as well as being a means of fulfilling the needs of Jakarta residents regarding the presence of integrated and quality public transportation services.

"It can create new investment from the property sector in areas crossed by the construction of LRT Jakarta Phase 1B. Thus, this construction supports Jakarta as a competitive global city," he continued.

He added the work covers a distance of 6.4 kilometers with a route from Velodrome - Rawamangun. The plan is to have five stations, namely, Rawamangun Station, BPKP Pramuka Station, Pasar Pramuka Station, Matraman Station, and Manggarai Station.

"It is targeted that with the construction of phase 1B, it will gradually carry 80,000 passengers per day," he added.

Rawamangun Urban Village Head, Hery Kurniawan uttered the LRT Phase 1B construction would increase the selling value of buildings and land in the area. According to him, residents from outside Rawamangun would be increasingly interested in moving to this area.

"By doing so, land value or building value, the selling value will increase. And this is very encouraging for our residents, automatically they will be more interested," he explained.

Then UNJ Student, Muhammad Iqbal added the LRT Jakarta will make it easier to access the campus in the future. If the construction is completed, he will choose it for his daily mobility needs to the Rawamangun area from his house in Pasar Rumput area.

"I will use it, once the construction is complete. I chose this transportation, as it will reduce the travel time from home to campus," he closed.