The West Java Provincial Government (Jabar) announced plans to operate two new toll booths, namely KM 149 toll exit and KM 151 toll gate (GT) on the Padalarang-Cileunyi (Padaleunyi) Toll Road, which are targeted to start operating in early 2025.

This step is expected to provide better access to the Gedebage area, Bandung City, and surrounding areas.

Head of the West Java Bina Marga and Spatial Planning Agency (DBMPR), Bambang Tirtoyuliono, said the opening of this toll gate is urgent to reduce traffic congestion that often occurs in the Gedebage area.

“KM 149 will be functioned first. There is some structural damage at that point that is being repaired, but we are sure everything will be ready in early 2025,” Bambang said, Sunday (25/8/2024) as reported by Antara.

On the other hand, the KM 151 toll gate is in the stage of location determination and social technical planning.

“We are targeting the two toll gates to be fully operational by 2025. This is important so that connectivity with national strategic projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Rail (KCJB) can be optimized,” Bambang added.

However, there are challenges to be faced regarding access to the KM 151 toll gate.

Bambang revealed that ideally, road widening is needed to accommodate the expected increase in vehicle volume.

“Cimencrang Road, which is currently a city road, does need widening. However, the cost of land acquisition there is quite high. We will try to find the best solution,” he said.

The KM 149 toll gate and KM 151 toll gate are projected to be important access to a number of strategic locations, including the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA), Al Jabbar Grand Mosque, Summarecon business and residential areas, and the Whoosh Tegalluar High Speed Rail Station.

West Java Provincial Secretary Herman Suryatman stated that the West Java Provincial Government continues to coordinate with various related parties, such as the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves), the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Jasa Marga, and other stakeholders to support the smooth running of this project.

“With close cooperation between the government, the business world, and the community, we are optimistic that all development programs in West Java can run quickly and on target,” Herman said.

It is hoped that the accelerated operation of these two toll gates can facilitate traffic flow in the area, as well as encourage local economic growth.

“Better infrastructure will make the Gedebage area develop into a more dynamic center of economic and social activities,” he concluded.

With this new infrastructure, West Java is ready to welcome new developments that not only facilitate mobility, but also improve the quality of life of the community.

SOURCE