Jakarta. The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train is targeted to become operational in mid-August with the operator claiming on Wednesday the project is now 91 percent completed. 

Emir Monti, the spokesman for the Indonesia-China High-Speed Train (KCIC) consortium, said the inaugural commercial service of the train will become a “special gift” during the country’s 78th anniversary in August.

“By September and October, the train will operate normally. We wait for the transition period according to regulations,” Emir said when inspecting the project at Halim Station in East Jakarta.

During the last trial, the train reached the speed of 220 kilometers per hour, setting a new milestone in the country’s railway history, Emir said.

Technically, the train’s top speed is designed at 385 km/hour.

Trials will continue to get safety assurance of the main and supporting infrastructures, he added.

The KCIC, contractors, and the Transportation Ministry are currently convening in Bandung to discuss final preparations and review everything on the checklist before the operating license is granted by the government.

The high-speed train will connect the Halim Station and the Padalarang Station in Bandung and is integrated with Greater Jakarta’s light rail transit (LRT) system and commuter train stations in between.

During the trial phase, there will be a limited amount of passengers and the number will gradually increase before the train operates normally in accordance with existing regulations. 

The fares for three classes of the high-speed train have yet to be determined.

Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Panjaitan said earlier the high-speed train will be officiated on Aug. 18, a day after Independence Day.