Bowo says that the prequalificiation process for civil works is now complete and construction contracts will be signed in September. Tenders will also be launched soon for mechanical and electrical systems and rolling stock.
The initial 15.7km phase of Line MRT1 from Lebak Bulus in the south to Hotel Indonesia in central Jakarta will open by November 2016.
The project will cost around $US 1.7bn, of which $US 1.46bn is being financed through a soft loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
An environmental impact assessment has recently been completed for an 8.1km northern extension to Kampung Budan, which will open in 2018.
Line MRT1 will initially have capacity for 212,000 passengers per day, increasing to 960,000 passengers per day.
