First Chinese-made high-speed train cars arrive in Indonesia

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. initial / ɪˈnɪʃ əl / (adj.) – referring to the first of several things
    Example:

    Initial reports said two girls went missing at the park, but it was confirmed later that they got lost in the mall.


  2. deputy / ˈdɛp yə ti / (n.) – an important assistant who is given the power to do something in place of an organization or government leader
    Example:

    The deputy spokesperson gave an interview instead because the communications director was not in the country.


  3. cut across / kʌt əˈkrɔs / (phrasal v.) – to go through something instead of around it
    Example:

    We have to cut across the jungle if we want to get to the other side of the mountain more quickly.


  4. loan / loʊn  / (n.) – money that is borrowed often from the bank
    Example:

    I bought a new house with a loan and my savings.


  5. funding / ˈfʌn dɪŋ / (n.) – money from a government or organization that will be used for a project
    Example:

    We will start the construction of the building once we receive enough funding.


Article

Read the text below.

An initial set of Chinese-made train cars for Indonesia’s first high-speed railway arrived in Jakarta’s port on August 26.


The 142.3-kilometer (88.4-mile) railway worth $5.5 billion is being constructed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, a joint venture between an Indonesian consortium of four state-owned companies and China Railway International Co. Ltd. The joint venture says the trains will be the fastest in Southeast Asia.


The railway line, which connects Jakarta and Bandung, a city in West Java province, is part of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. It is expected to cut travel time between the two cities from the current three hours to about 40 minutes.


The eight train cars and an inspection train that arrived were designed and built by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co. Ltd.


“The arrival of this series of high-speed trains is good news for Indonesia and shows that Indonesia can compete with other developed countries,” said Kartika Wijoatmojo, the deputy minister of State-Owned Enterprises.


Construction began in January 2016 of the Jakarta-Bandung line, which was planned as part of a 750-kilometer (465-mile) high-speed train project that would cut across four provinces on the main island of Java.


The rail deal was signed in October 2015 after Indonesia selected China over Japan in competitive bidding. China agreed to complete the railway without using Indonesian government money or requiring a government guarantee for loans.


The rail line was expected to begin operations in early 2019, but was delayed because of land acquisition and funding problems.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The joint venture says the trains will be the fastest in Southeast Asia. What are the different modes of transportation in your country? Which of these modes do you prefer? Why? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what mode of public transportation in your country needs further improvement? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • What do you think your country can contribute to the public infrastructure (ex. transportation) in other countries? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, if other countries were to help improve the public infrastructure in your country, in which areas and what changes would you expect? Why? Discuss.