Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway in Indonesia

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is the world’s first high-speed rail line designed to operate at 350 km/h through a tropical region characterised by volcanic ash and sedimentary rock. Constructed in a seismically active area with a seismic intensity of up to 9 degrees, the project also faced the challenges of high population density and complex land acquisition due to widespread privatisation.

To overcome these world-class engineering and environmental challenges, the design team undertook detailed geological studies and implemented a series of innovative technical solutions. These included land-saving design strategies, the development of a modern, integrated transport hub, and the delivery of a smart, green, and human-centred infrastructure project. As a result, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has successfully commenced commercial operations at full speed.

Guided by the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model and fully compliant with Indonesian laws and regulations, the project was implemented with a strong commitment to fairness, openness, integrity, and transparency.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility were central to the project’s development. The route was carefully selected to avoid ecologically sensitive areas and was aligned with existing expressways, reducing land acquisition by 30 hectares. Station buildings were designed with semi-outdoor features to lower energy use, while sound barriers and slope-retaining walls were introduced to reduce noise and minimise environmental impact. During the initial phase of operation, the railway has already reduced carbon emissions by 400,000 tonnes annually compared to conventional road transport.

Since its launch, the railway has cut travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just 40 minutes, significantly reducing road congestion and benefiting 30 million people in the region. More than 3 million passengers have used the service in its first seven months. The project has also created 81,000 jobs, spurred economic development, promoted tourism, and strengthened Indonesia’s regional influence. It stands as a landmark example of international infrastructure cooperation and a model for sustainable, high-impact transport development.