State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has announced that it will start operating the airport train, connecting Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, to two stations in Jakarta, before the end of the year.

“Our target is to conduct a trial period and start operating the airport train in November,” KAI logistics and development director Budi Noviantoro said in Jakarta on Tuesday (22/8) as reported by kompas.com.

The acquisition of land for the project is 100 percent complete, said Budi, adding that the company was in the process of finishing the construction railways, bridges and stations, as well installing signaling and telecommunication systems and electricity networks.

He said his company would use its official social media platforms to spread information about the progress of the airport train to the public.

“You can monitor the newest information about the airport train through mainstream media and our official social media [accounts],” he added.

Budi statement was made to clarify rumors that the airport train had been operating since Aug. 17, when the country celebrated its 72^nd Independent Day.

The airport track will connect Soekarno-Hatta International Airport with Manggarai Station in South Jakarta and Kota Station in West Jakarta. The whole track will run along a 36.4-kilometer line.

The train is expected to help the increasing number of air travelers cut their travel time to the airport as they currently must pass through toll roads that are frequently affected by traffic congestion. (thejakartapost.com)