Bali Urban Rail Metro Line Set for Completion by 2028

Bali is on track to see its new Urban Rail Metro Line completed by 2028, a highly anticipated project that promises to transform the island’s transportation infrastructure. Over the next four years, significant efforts will be required to meet this ambitious timeline, with local leaders working diligently to ensure progress.

According to I Wayan Adi Arnawa, the Badung Regional Secretary, the first phase of construction, which includes groundbreaking and foundation building, is scheduled to begin in September 2024. The metro line is projected to be operational by 2028, which is expected to enhance Bali’s property market appeal.

Arnawa stated that the groundbreaking plans and objectives for the MRT Bali have been established by the provincial, city, and district governments, in cooperation with PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya. The project will be carried out in phases, with the initial stage targeted for completion within the next four years.

One of the key benefits of this project, as highlighted by Arnawa, is the reduced surface land use compared to conventional roads. He emphasized the importance of preserving Bali’s limited land area and unique landscape, which are crucial to maintaining the island's identity and scenic allure, thereby making it an attractive destination for property buyers.

Securing Investments Investors have been secured for the project, with an official announcement expected next week. The final stages of budgeting are underway, and investors have been asked to finalize all necessary agreements and paperwork by the end of this month. The groundbreaking ceremony is slated for September.

Following years of speculation and slow progress, the project is now rapidly advancing. This acceleration comes after a meeting convened by Acting Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, where formal bids for the Bali Urban Rail and its associated facilities were submitted.

In a statement made in late May, Acting Governor Jaya underscored the event as a significant step forward in the development of Bali's transportation infrastructure. He highlighted the construction of tourism corridors that will feature train-based public transportation systems, driven by a business-to-business investment model.

With funding in place, Arnawa underscored the necessity of careful budget management and called for community support to ensure the project's smooth execution. The ultimate goal is to alleviate traffic congestion in Badung and throughout Bali, which would also make the region more appealing to property investors.

Arnawa noted that the project would be a major boost to tourism in Badung Regency, home to some of Bali’s top resorts such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. These areas are also prime spots for property investments.

Despite its popularity, traffic congestion is a persistent problem for both tourists and residents.

The Bali Urban Rail Metro system, set to provide frequent train services, aims to ease travel through Bali’s busiest tourist areas, potentially increasing the demand for local properties.

Gede Wayan Samsi Gunarta, Head of the Bali Transportation Service, indicated that the metro service capacity is being carefully planned, with trains expected to run every 15 minutes.

Initial maps of the Bali Urban Rail Network reveal plans for six lines, including a tramway. The first metro line will connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with Kuta Beach, Central Parking, Legian, Seminyak, Seminyak Intersection, and extend to Kerobokan and North Denpasar.

The second line will form a circular route connecting the airport with resorts in Benoa, Sanur, and Sindhu, looping back through Denpasar, Renon, Monument, Bonjol Square, Central Parking, Kuta, and returning to the airport. This extensive network is poised to significantly upgrade Bali’s transportation infrastructure.