New LRT Line Opens Tomorrow, Linking Kelapa Gading to Manggarai
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JAKARTA — Jakartaweekly.com Jakarta is preparing to welcome a major addition to its public transportation network tomorrow, with the new LRT Jakarta extension connecting Velodrome and Manggarai set to officially open following the completion of final preparations.
Governor Pramono Anung, accompanied by officials from the Jakarta Provincial Government and the Presidential Protocol team, inspected the readiness of the new line on Monday, August 24. The visit marked one of the final checks ahead of the planned inauguration and the start of full public operations.
According to Pramono, the construction of the Velodrome–Manggarai route has reached its final stage, with the railway infrastructure and elevated tracks now fully completed.
“Overall, the construction and completion of the railway and elevated tracks have reached 100 percent,” Pramono said during his visit to Manggarai LRT Station.
The remaining process involves final testing by the central government through the Ministry of Transportation before the line begins full operations.
As of Monday, the physical progress of the project had reached 98.2 percent. The Jakarta Provincial Government has proposed August 26, 2026, as the official inauguration date, with the final schedule subject to President Prabowo Subianto’s agenda.
The new Velodrome–Manggarai extension is part of the continued development of Jakarta’s LRT network. Previously, Phase 1A, connecting Kelapa Gading and Velodrome, had already been operating. The newly completed Phase 1B extends the railway from Velodrome to Manggarai, creating a continuous connection between Kelapa Gading and one of Jakarta’s most important transport hubs.
Once operational, the expanded LRT Jakarta network will cover 12.2 kilometres and serve 11 stations. The journey from Kelapa Gading to Manggarai is expected to take approximately 28 minutes.
The Rp12.1 trillion project is expected to play an increasingly important role in Jakarta’s efforts to reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve connectivity across the capital.
Pramono estimates that the extended network could initially serve between 60,000 and 80,000 passengers per day.
“With the connection from Kelapa Gading to Manggarai, we estimate between 60,000 and 80,000 passengers in the early stages,” he said. “Once it is fully connected, the LRT managed by the Jakarta Provincial Government will become one of the main backbones of the city’s transportation system.”
To encourage commuters to use the newly extended service, LRT Jakarta will maintain a flat fare of Rp5,000 per journey until October 2026.
The Rp5,000 fare is the existing flat rate currently applied to LRT Jakarta services, including the earlier Kelapa Gading–Velodrome route. Passengers travelling across the newly extended Kelapa Gading–Manggarai line will also be able to use the same flat fare during the initial operating period.
The fare structure after October 2026 is still under discussion. The Jakarta Provincial Government is expected to conduct further studies and consultations before determining the permanent tariff.
The extended line will operate from 5 a.m. until midnight, providing commuters with a longer daily service window.
Manggarai Station is also being developed as a key point of integration for Jakarta’s transportation network. The LRT will connect with TransJakarta, the KRL Commuter Line and the Airport Rail Link, allowing passengers to transfer between different modes of public transportation.
The direct connection between the LRT station and the wider Manggarai Station complex is still being finalised in coordination with state railway operator PT KAI. Jakpro President Director Iwan Takwin said the direct integration is targeted to be completed and operational in September 2026.
The Ministry of Transportation has also highlighted the importance of seamless integration between the LRT and other public transportation services. Officials believe stronger connectivity, including improved first- and last-mile access, could significantly increase demand for the service.
Accessibility has also been included in the preparations, with facilities designed to make the new stations easier to use for passengers with disabilities. During the trial period, the Jakarta Provincial Government involved 15 community groups that were given access to free transport services.
For Jakarta commuters, the opening of the Velodrome–Manggarai extension represents more than simply the addition of a new train route. With a Rp5,000 flat fare, faster journeys and connections to several major transportation networks, the project marks another step toward a more integrated public transport system.
As the new line prepares to welcome its first passengers tomorrow, Jakarta is betting that affordable fares, improved connectivity and easier transfers will encourage more residents to leave their private vehicles behind and embrace public transportation.