Bali's New Urban Rail Metro Line Set for Completion by 2028

Bali's authorities are aiming to complete the new Bali Urban Rail Metro Line by 2028.

The next four years will see significant efforts to advance this much-anticipated project. Leaders are diligently working behind the scenes to ensure steady progress.

I Wayan Adi Arnawa, the Badung Regional Secretary, announced that the initial phase of the metro line, involving groundbreaking and foundation building, will commence in September 2024. The goal is to have the line operational by 2028, which will enhance the attractiveness of property for sale in Bali.

Arnawa confirmed that the plans and targets for the MRT Bali's groundbreaking have been finalized by the provincial, city, and district governments, in collaboration with PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya.

The project will be executed in phases, with the first stage expected to be completed by 2028.

Arnawa highlighted the project's benefits, emphasizing its minimal land usage compared to roads, crucial for preserving Bali's limited land and unique landscape. This aspect is particularly appealing to potential property buyers in Bali.

Investors have been secured for the project, with an official announcement expected next week. The final budgeting process is underway, and investors have been asked to finalize all agreements and paperwork by the end of this month. Groundbreaking is scheduled for September.

After years of speculation and slow progress, developments are now accelerating. The confirmation of investor participation and the September start date follows a meeting convened 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 described the event as a new milestone in Bali's transportation infrastructure development. He emphasized the construction and development of tourism corridors with train-based mass public transportation systems through a business-to-business investment model.

With funding secured, Arnawa stressed the importance of managing the large budget diligently and called for community support to ensure the project's smooth execution. The goal is to alleviate traffic congestion in Badung and Bali overall, potentially increasing the attractiveness of property for sale in Bali.

Arnawa noted that the project would boost tourism in the Badung Regency area by reducing traffic congestion. Badung Regency, home to top Bali resorts such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua, is also a prime location for property buyers.

Despite its popularity with tourists, traffic congestion remains a significant issue affecting both visitors and residents.

As reported in February 2024, the Bali Urban Rail Metro system aims to offer frequent trains to facilitate tourist movement through Bali's busiest resorts, potentially increasing demand for Bali property for sale.

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

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

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