Indonesia strives to ensure smooth operation of LRT

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia is investigating a series of malfunctions that have plagued its first light rapid transit (LRT) system just days ahead of the opening ceremony of the Asian Games (ASIAD), the country’s transport ministry said on Aug 13.

The LRT in Palembang city, which is co-hosting the Games with Jakarta, needs to be operating smoothly, as thousands of athletes, officials and visitors arrive this week for the start of the continent's biggest multi-sport event.

Indonesia has set aside worries about terrorism and street crime, saying it is ready to organise the Games from August 18 to September 2.

But officials on August 13 were forced to acknowledge a series of "shortcomings" with the LRT, seen as the key to avoiding traffic snarls in Palembang on Sumatra island.

A short circuit knocked out power to a portion of the transit system on August 12, halting trains and forcing passengers to disembark between two stations.

Just days earlier, passengers had to endure long delays due to signals interference, which caused the temporary suspension of services, local media reported.

The government will immediately evaluate the whole operation of the South Sumatra LRT, aiming to seek for a solution that will improve the overall operation of the LRT, the transport ministry said.

Jakarta and Palembang will host about 11,000 athletes and 5,000 officials from 45 Asian countries and territories for the Games.

The Vietnamese delegation to the event comprises 523 members, including 12 doctors, 24 experts, 81 coaches, six interpreters and 352 athletes. They aim to snatch at least three gold medals.-VNA