Bali’s Urban Rail Metro Line: A Game-Changer by 2028

Bali's leaders are ambitiously aiming to complete the new Bali Urban Rail Metro Line by 2028, a project that will require significant effort over the next four years. They are diligently working behind the scenes to advance this long-awaited initiative.

Badung Regional Secretary, I Wayan Adi Arnawa, announced that the first phase, involving groundbreaking and foundation building, will commence in September 2024. He anticipates that the line will be operational by 2028, enhancing the appeal of Bali's property market.

Arnawa confirmed that the provincial, city, and district governments, in collaboration with PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya, have finalized the plans and targets for the Bali MRT. The project will be executed in phases, with the first stage expected to be completed by 2028.

He emphasized the numerous benefits of the project, particularly its ability to minimize surface land use compared to roads. Preserving Bali's limited space and unique landscape is crucial for maintaining its identity and appeal, which is a significant draw for property buyers.

Investor participation has been secured, and an official announcement is expected next week. The final budgeting process is underway, with investors requested to finalize agreements and paperwork by the end of the month, in preparation for the groundbreaking in September.

After years of speculation and slow progress, the project is now gaining momentum. The confirmation of investor involvement and the start date follows a meeting led by Acting Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, during which bids were formally submitted for the Bali Urban Rail and associated facilities.

In late May, Acting Governor Jaya highlighted this event as a significant milestone in Bali's transportation infrastructure development. He emphasized the creation of tourism corridors featuring train-based mass public transportation systems through a business-to-business investment model.

With funding secured, Arnawa underscored the importance of diligent budget management and called for community support to ensure the project's smooth progress. The goal is to alleviate traffic congestion in Badung and across Bali, thereby increasing the attractiveness of property in the region.

Arnawa noted that reducing traffic congestion would boost tourism in the Badung Regency, which includes popular resorts like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. These areas are also prime locations for property buyers.

Traffic congestion is a significant issue in these popular tourist spots, affecting both visitors and residents. The Bali Urban Rail Metro system aims to address this by offering frequent train services, potentially increasing demand for property in Bali.

Gede Wayan Samsi Gunarta, Head of the Bali Transportation Service, mentioned that they are designing the metro service's capacity. They are calculating the number of seats and operational times, with a goal of running trains at least every 15 minutes.

Initial concept maps reveal that the Bali Urban Rail Network will eventually comprise six lines, including a tramway. The first metro line, Line 1, will connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with Kuta Beach, Central Parking, Legian, Seminyak, Seminyak Intersection, and continue to Kerobokan and North Denpasar.

The second line will be a circular route connecting the airport with the resorts of Benoa, Sanur, and Sindhu, looping back through Denpasar towards Renon and Monument, then south and southwest towards Bonjol Square, Central Parking, Kuta, and back to the airport. This comprehensive network is set to significantly enhance Bali's infrastructure.