JAKARTA. Indonesia's first high-speed train, connecting the capital Jakarta and the country's fourth most populous city, Bandung, was tested at 180 km/h on Monday and reached its destination within an hour.
Monday's train ride more than halved a typical 2.5-hour trip between the two cities as part of the first series of comprehensive tests that will gradually increase the train's speed to 385 km/h.
When the train starts moving at maximum speed, the travel time will be reduced to about 40 minutes. Commercial activity is expected to start in August.
Construction of the 142 km railway began in 2016. Indonesia is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative and is the first country in Southeast Asia to have a high-speed railway.
The inspection train was used in comprehensive testing on Monday. This includes checking the roadway, vibration, traction power supply, communications and signaling, and other systems. Everyone did well.
The Straits Times, Jakarta's KompasTV and the Xinhua news agency were invited to the inspection train. The maximum technical speed will be 385 km / h, and it must be reached within three weeks after the last test.
The speed of Japanese bullet trains "Maglev" reaches 603 km/h. The French TGVs follow at 574.8 km/h, while the Shanghai maglev comes in third at 460 km/h. Italian Frecciargento trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo plans to begin commercial operation of the train on August 18. The railway is equipped with smart sensors, earthquake monitoring capabilities and early warning systems.
Mr. Chen Dongsheng, Chief Engineer of the National Engineering and Research Center, said of the inspection train, “By using and optimizing the interaction of the system, we can ensure that the entire high-speed railway will meet the design requirements.
He added: “The Jakarta-Bandung Railway (High Speed Rail) runs on electricity and emits no direct carbon emissions during operation. It is fast, has high capacity and is energy efficient compared to road and air transport. it is the best vehicle and environmentally friendly.”
Indonesian Deputy Minister of State Enterprises Kartika Virjoatmojo said separately on the train. alarm and power supply.
“Everything was checked and at this speed (180 km/h) everything was fine.
However, some "homework" is required to protect the railroad in areas prone to outside interference, such as landslides; Mr. Karthika stressed that strengthening in these areas is needed to get more relief.
