Our first post about Bali’s LRT Project was back in November 2023. Fast forward to today, and we have exciting news: the groundbreaking ceremony has officially marked the beginning of this ambitious project. This significant milestone confirms that the LRT is not just a concept but a serious, ongoing development. Get ready to see how Bali’s transit future is taking shape! Now, let’s recap all the news and information that have emerged about Bali’s LRT project over the past year.
The Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Bali Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has officially begun, with construction starting at a depth of 30 meters. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Sentral Parkir Kuta, Bali.
“The Badung Regency had set the depth at 15 meters. While the strength is the same, we decided to go with 30 meters for added safety,” explained I Gusti Ngurah Askhara Danadiputra (Ari Askhara), Director of PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya (SBDJ), during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.
The Name is Bali Urban Subway
The Bali Urban Subway, also known as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, will be developed in four phases:
- Phase One: This phase will cover the route from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Kuta Sentral Parkir, extending through Seminyak, Berawa, and Cemagi, with a total length of 16 kilometers.
- Phase Two: The second phase will connect Ngurah Rai International Airport to Jimbaran, passing through Unud and Nusa Dua, spanning 13.5 kilometers.
- Phase Three: This phase will include the route from Kuta Sentral Parkir to Sesetan, Renon, and Sanur.
- Phase Four: The final phase will connect Renon to Sukawati and Ubud.
Currently, phases three and four are still in the feasibility study stage, where assessments are being conducted to determine the viability of these sections. This extensive project aims to improve connectivity and ease of transportation across Bali, contributing to the island’s growing infrastructure and urban development.
The Bali LRT Ticket Price
If you’re planning to use Bali’s upcoming Light Rail Transit (LRT), here’s what you can expect about ticket prices:
- For International Tourists: The estimated fare is between $35 and $40 USD, which is roughly IDR 542,000 to IDR 620,000 per person per week (based on an exchange rate of IDR 15,500 per USD). This price allows tourists the flexibility to travel throughout the week.
- For Local Residents: Ari Askhara, Director of PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya (SBDJ), has indicated that the exact ticket prices are still under review as they assess the actual construction costs. The aim is to make the system affordable, with a potential goal of offering free rides for locals who have a Bali ID card (KTP Bali).
In comparison, a ride-share from the airport to Cemagi currently costs around IDR 350,000 and takes about 2.5 hours, making the LRT a potentially more convenient and cost-effective option.
Investment and Funding
The total investment for the Bali LRT project is estimated at IDR 25 trillion (about $20 billion USD).
The development will occur in phases:
- Initial Two Phases: Expected to cost $10.8 billion, with a projected completion date of 2031.
Funding sources include:
- Official Development Assistance: Provided by the South Korean government for the first phase.
- Public-Private Partnership: To support the second phase.
- Global Investors: Potential interest from international investors, including UAE’s Etihad Rail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bali LRT project represents a significant infrastructure development that aims to transform transportation on the island. While it presents numerous opportunities, particularly for the real estate sector, its full impact will depend on successful implementation and integration with Bali’s existing urban and tourism landscape.
