Dubaiuncovered

Underground Light Rail Transit System Planned for Bali’s Airport and Tourist Areas

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, announced on Thursday that an underground light rail transit (LRT) system will be built in Bali. The LRT system will connect the island’s international airport to popular tourist areas such as Canggu and Seminyak. This move is aimed at managing traffic at the airport, which is expected to receive 24 million visitors annually by 2025-2026.

Pandjaitan emphasized the importance of the LRT project, stating, “If it’s not being done, then in 2026 we can be stuck three hours at the airport.” He also mentioned that investment interest in the project has been received from Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing. The government will prioritize partner countries that allow for the transfer of technology and offer fast and affordable solutions.

Building regulations in Bali impose height restrictions on constructions, limiting buildings to a maximum height of 15 meters (50 feet). With the LRT being constructed underground, it complies with these local laws.

This initiative follows the recent opening of an LRT system in Jakarta, which President Joko Widodo believes will help ease congestion and reduce pollution in the fast-growing city. Additionally, a high-speed rail funded by China, connecting Jakarta to the Javan city of Bandung, is set to launch next week.

In a bid to fund cultural preservation efforts, Bali will implement a tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah ($10) starting next year. The tax aims to capitalize on the island’s popularity as a tourist destination while also protecting its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

With these developments, Bali looks set to improve its transportation infrastructure, boost tourism, and preserve its unique appeal for both locals and visitors alike.