Bali plans to build a $20 billion rail network to ease traffic congestion

Bali plans to begin construction of a $20 billion rail network linking the airport and tourist areas to ease traffic congestion.

The Indonesian government said in a statement on Thursday (July 25) that developers will begin implementing the project, called the Bali Metro, in September and that it will be completed by 2031.

Traffic congestion to and from Bali's international airport is a major pain point for tourists as countries relax travel restrictions following the coronavirus outbreak and the number of local tourists continues to increase. Last year, the number of foreign tourists reached pre-pandemic levels, about 500,000 per month.

The project is part of an ambitious push by President Joko Widodo to build more railways to ease Indonesia's congested traffic. He also launched two multi-million dollar rail projects last year to connect Jakarta with surrounding cities.