Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. The railway project, financed largely by China, connects Jakarta to Bandung, significantly reducing travel time and emissions.
The $7.3 billion project, built by the joint venture PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (PT KCIC), links the capital city Jakarta with the populous West Java province’s capital, Bandung. The journey that once took three hours can now be completed in just 40 minutes, thanks to speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph).
President Widodo named the high-speed railway “Whoosh,” emphasizing its efficiency, optimal operation, and reliability. He stated that the project represents a modernization of mass transportation, offering an eco-friendly solution.
The railway’s inauguration follows years of delays and rising costs, but its completion marks a significant step in improving Indonesia’s transportation infrastructure. It also aligns with China’s Belt and Road initiative, enhancing economic ties between the two nations.
The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has announced a new regulation requiring tour guides and interpreters to wear name tags with QR codes. This new rule is part of a broader effort to improve the quality and regulation of the tourism industry in Russia
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