South Sumatra to build 5 flyovers for coal transport

Acting Governor of South Sumatra, Elen Setiadi, emphasized the need to expedite the construction of five flyovers in the region. This initiative is aimed at addressing the growing traffic congestion, especially from coal transport via rail and the Musi River.

Elen made this commitment during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Tuesday, January 14, in Palembang, the provincial capital. The meeting, which included state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), focused on plans to build flyovers along the Prabumulih-Muara Enim route and strategies for maintaining the Musi River’s navigability for 24-hour operations.

The planned flyovers will be located at the Belimbing intersection, two points in Ujan Mas, two points in Gunung Megang, and the Sudirman-Muara Enim route.

"The five flyovers are necessary due to the increasing coal transport traffic via both the railway and the Musi River," said Elen.

Elen highlighted the urgency of completing the five flyovers and making decisions on each, particularly the flyovers at the Belimbing intersection, Ujan Mas, Gunung Megang, and the Sudirman-Muara Enim route.

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This construction is expected to improve transportation efficiency and support continuous coal transport operations around the clock.

Meanwhile, KAI's Director of Business Development and Institutional Affairs, Rudi As Aturridha, stated that the FGD aimed to coordinate and discuss the development of coal rail transport in South Sumatra. The plan requires support from the South Sumatra Provincial Government, including the construction of a flyover along the Prabumulih-Muara Enim railway line and strategies to ensure the Musi River remains navigable for 24-hour operations.

 “This goal cannot be achieved without the support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the Provincial Government, local authorities, academia, and the Coal Business Association,” Rudi said.

Rudi added that collaboration is essential to ensure the readiness of supporting infrastructure, such as lighting, navigation, security, and other facilities, to ensure the smooth operation of the Musi River at all hours.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak