TEMPO.CO, Bekasi - The Bekasi administration is planning on building the aeromovel transportation mode, which is similar to monorail and mass rapid transit (MRT) except it is cheaper and more efficient. Deputy Bekasi Mayor, Ahmad Syaikhu, said yesterday that the government will work with private sectors for the development.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII - a culture and tourism park in East Jakarta) has actually employed the transportation mode. Technically, the aeromovel is similar to monorail, except that it utilizes wind power from blower fans under the train, making it lighter than regular trains with engines.
Saikhy said the aeromovel project can be started in 2015 for it would be funded by private investors, instead of by the government. The budget for the project is estimated at US$167 million - cheaper than the monorail and MRT projects.
"We have started the preparation until the end of this year," Syaikhu said.
Syaikhu said, referring to aeromovel constructions at TMII, a 3.2-kilometer track can be built in eight months. Therefore, he was convinced that the project can be accomplished within two years.
The transportation mode can carry 250 passengers with 25 carriages. In early stages, three stations will be built along the route served by the aeromovel, including Kemang Pratama, Summarecon and Harapan Indah.
ADI WARSONO
