Construction of access road to Karawang high-speed train station accelerated
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Jalan akses stasiun kereta cepat Karawang dipacu
26 February 2025
By Ichsan Amin
The Transportation Ministry is continuously accelerating the construction of a 3-kilometre access road from Bekasi Regency and Karawang Regency to support the development of Karawang Station as a new stop for the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway (Whoosh).
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandha stated that the construction of the road and bridge access through the Cibeet River is expected to facilitate users, especially those from Bekasi and Karawang, in conducting activities in the area.
"Moreover, with the support of a Whoosh station, we hope it can be accessed soon, making the area livelier and encouraging local growth," he said during his visit to the construction site of the Cibeet River bridge, which connects Bekasi Regency to Karawang Regency, with Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid on Tuesday (25/2/2025).
Since its inauguration on 24 December 2024, road access to and from Karawang Station has been continuously developed. There are eight planned access points to Karawang Station. Three of these points are in the Cibeet River area, including the Cibeet bridge, the road access from Bekasi Regency, and the road access from Karawang Regency.
"The construction progress of the Cibeet River bridge has reached 36%. Next, we have coordinated the road access with the Karawang Regency Government, the Bekasi Regency Government, and relevant private parties," Transportation Minister Dudy stated.
The construction of the Cibeet River access is being carried out by PT Deltamas. In addition to the Cibeet River bridge, a 3-kilometre road access is planned to be constructed from Bekasi Regency and Karawang Regency.
In addition to the access from the Cibeet River area, other routes to and from Karawang Station are still under construction. These include the Trans Heksa Karawang (THK) access from the north and south, and the toll road exit at KM42+000, which will be developed by PT Jasa Marga. These accesses are expected to support the development of Karawang Station as a new stop for Whoosh.
Currently, Whoosh has four stopping stations: Halim Station, Padalarang Station, Tegalluar Station, and the newest, Karawang Station. Out of 62 daily trips, half (31) stop at Karawang Station. From 24 December 2024 to 23 February 2025, Karawang Station served a total of 20,268 passengers, averaging 327 passengers per day.
The construction of access routes to Karawang Station is expected to increase the number of Whoosh passengers. PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the operator of Whoosh, stated that the company has prepared various strategic steps from the outset to achieve its total passenger target.
"At Whoosh, we have developed strategies to be implemented once the station accesses are completed. With more accessible stations, passengers will find it easier to reach them," said PT KCIC Corporate Secretary General Manager Eva Chairunisa recently.
Eva explained that with increased access, Karawang Station will be better connected to industrial estates, cities, and shopping centres. KCIC is also in communication with various transportation providers to meet the connectivity needs to and from Karawang Station.
Increased accessibility is a strategy to boost passenger volume, which is also being implemented for Tegalluar Station. KCIC is currently expediting the provision of access to Tegalluar Station to facilitate passengers.
Reaching 7.8 million passengers
Since commencing commercial operations on 17 October 2023, the number of Whoosh passengers has continued to rise significantly. To date, passenger volume has reached 7.8 million, with a peak of 24,350 passengers in a single day on 27 January 2025.
Eva Chairunisa stated that the average daily number of Whoosh passengers is currently around 16,000 to 18,000 on weekdays and approximately 18,000 to 21,000 on weekends.
"Eva stated, “In response to this growth, KCIC has been increasing Whoosh's trips to meet the rising demand for fast and efficient transportation.”
Since 1 February 2025, Whoosh's trips have increased from 48 to 62 daily. With departures every 30 minutes, Whoosh is now more flexible in serving its passengers, particularly those who use it as their daily mode of transportation.
He explained that Jakarta-Bandung trips are now available every 30 minutes, while Jakarta/Bandung-Karawang trips are available every hour. Whoosh has become a solution for commuters to avoid congestion and save time when travelling between Jakarta, Karawang, and Bandung.
He added, “With the increase in passengers who routinely use Whoosh, we are continuously striving to provide the best services. With additional trips and increased departure frequency to every 30 minutes, Whoosh is now a super-fast commuter train service ready to accommodate the public's demand for high mobility.”
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