Efficient movement by rail critical for economic success

Ambitious: The Jakarta-Bandung HSR is only the beginning. Jokowi’s grand plan is to improve connectivity on Java Island by extending the HSR network from Bandung to Surabaya. — Xinhua

THE subject of high-speed rail (HSR) continues to gain traction this year, following the long- awaited opening of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR services in Indonesia on Oct 2.

Stretching 143km between the Indonesian capital and Bandung, capital of Indonesia’s West Java province, the service – nicknamed Whoosh – has made a difference to how people move by offering an alternative to flights and a much slower intercity train with travel at an extremely competitive duration of 40 minutes.