REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has claimed that the government could save Rp6 trillion by using a moving block signaling system for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) railway connecting Jakarta with Bogor, Depok and Bekasi (Jabodebek).

The figure was arrived at after a recalculation following a change in technology applied in the project, he said while speaking in the National Technology Congress held here, Monday.

Moving block signaling is a system in which the blocks, or sections of track, are defined in real time by computers as protected zones around each train.

"The LRT project had already been started, but we made a recalculation; we saw that the technology could be changed, and in fact, the cost could be cut up to Rp6 trillion," he noted.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi explained that initially the government had chosen to use a fixed block signaling system, which determines the headway (time interval) between trains for the LRT project.

Later, however, the government decided to apply the moving block signaling system, which would allow more trains to operate.

With frequent train services, the number of passengers served would also increase significantly, he said.

"With more passengers, as they are a dividing factor, it can be ensured the returns on investment will be faster.," he said.

The Government has adjusted the budget allocation from Rp21.7 trillion to Rp22 for the project.

"There is a small additional cost, notably only between Rp200 and Rp300 billion," he added.

The former president director of airport operator Angkasa Pura II explained that the government has been trying to streamline the mass transportation project's budget.

Efficiency will be sought without reducing passengers' comfort, he remarked.

The Jabodebek LRT is expected to be completed in early 2019 and the Palembang LRT in mid-2018, ahead of the 18th Asian Games to be held next year.

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