Jakarta (12/12) - The construction of the 144-kilometer Makassar-Parepare railway line is one of the Directorate General of Railways' (DJKA) major accomplishments in 2022. DJKA also built seven additional stations along the route in the first railway construction project in South Sulawesi, which has been tested for restricted operation from October 2022. This information was shared during the NGOBRAS activity, Ngobrol Bareng Komunitas Kereta Api, held on Monday (12/12) in the Ministry of Transportation's Mataram Room.

Director General of Railways (Plt.) Risal Wasal stated that the Makassar-Parepare railway line is one of DJKA's numerous achievements this year. "Thanks to public support, we have also inaugurated this year the modernization of Jatinegara Station, Cikarang Station, the operation of the Bogor-Sukabumi double track for the Bogor Paledang-Cicurug section, and the operation of Matraman Station as one of the new stations built by DJKA," Risal explained.

Risal further stated that 2022 was a critical year for the construction of Manggarai Station. Two key switchovers were successfully completed as part of the station's continuous development stages in South Jakarta. While the construction process was not without its problems, and opinions differed, Risal is confident about the beneficial impact Manggarai Station would have on the community.

"We apologize for any inconvenience caused by adjustments made during construction." We also like to thank you for your patience and tolerance during the development process. "God willing, the ease sacrificed today will lead to good results when the construction of Manggarai Station is completed," Risal concluded

Furthermore, Risal stated that DJKA finished the Tebing Tinggi-Kuala Tanjung railway line construction for the Tebing Tinggi-Lalang portion this year. "Alhamdulillah, on December 2, 2022, a soft launch of the Datuk Blambangan train was carried out, which will serve the community for the Tebing Tinggi Lalang section," Risal stated.

Risal added, the development achievements made by DJKA this year are expected to bring benefits and answer the needs of the community. "Especially in the Christmas 2022 and New Year 2023 periods, we hope that the railway facilities and infrastructure that we have built and operated can help mobilize the community while enjoying a holiday with family," Risal concluded.(HJA)