"Efforts are currently being made to prepare for Eid homecoming. Two weeks ago, we have gathered all Toll Road Business Entities after President Joko Widodo announced that homecoming was allowed," Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, confirmed in a written statement received here on Saturday.
Minister Hadimuljono said that he had directed the Road Unit of the ministry to ensure national roads are ready to be used, including facilities such as road markings.
On the Lampung-Palembang route, the operational Trans Sumatra toll roads are the 140.41-km Bakauheni-Terbanggi Besar section lane, 189.40-km Terbanggi Besar-Pematang Panggang-Kayu Agung lane, and 37.62-km Kayu Agung-Palembang-Betung lane.
Secretary of the Toll Road Regulatory Agency at the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry, Triono Junoasmono, said several sections are still being renovated along the Lampung-Palembang toll road.
He said he expected the renovation to be completed by April 15, 2022.
Related news: Jokowi inaugurates longest toll road in Lampung
The toll road section has been equipped with 21 rest areas, consisting of 17 of type A and 4 of type B, with various facilities, including commercial areas for MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), clean toilets, parking areas, gas stations, worship spaces, and gardens.
The ministry has also prepared anticipatory efforts to address any increase in traffic on toll roads during 2022 Eid at South Bakauheni and Kota Baru toll gates, which will involve diverting traffic from South Bakau GT to North Bakau GT.
The ministry, through the Lampung Province National Road Agency, is also ensuring that national roads are in good condition.
The national road in Lampung province spans 1,292.25 km, consisting of the 285.96-km east passage, 323.14-km middle route, 312.89-km west passage, and 341.58-km connecting route.
Head of the Lampung Province National Road Agency, Rien Marlia, said that there are several locations prone to congestion, such as markets, intersections, Kota Agung red lights, and the Natar Gate toll exit.
"Anticipation is carried out in coordination with the local police," Marlia added.
Related news: Pertamina to augment fuel supply along Trans Sumatra toll road
Related news: Daily vehicular flow through Palembang toll road estimated at 5,000
Penerjemah: Aji Cakti, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
