Bali has abandoned its previous plan to develop a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or subway system and is instead preparing to develop an Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system connecting I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with Canggu.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the ART project is targeted to begin construction in 2027, provided the necessary regulations on underground space utilisation are completed.
The decision marks a shift from the Bali Urban Subway plan, which had been discussed for years but has yet to see physical construction. The original project included plans to utilise underground space and was officially launched through a ngeruak or groundbreaking and consecration ceremony at the Kuta Central Parking area on September 4, 2024.
However, when asked about the current status of the planned Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at the site, Koster confirmed that construction has not started.
“There isn’t any. There hasn’t been any [construction],” Koster said after attending the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the Bali GPEI Regional Board (DPD) for the 2026–2031 term at The Keranjang Bali on Friday (August 7, 2026).
Bali Chooses ART Over MRT
Koster said the government had decided to pursue ART instead of MRT because the system is considered more cost-effective and technologically simpler to develop.
“Not MRT, but ART,” Koster said when asked about the latest plan.
He explained that the change was made to ensure the development of rail-based public transport in Bali could proceed more efficiently.
“Yes, because it is far more efficient and technologically simpler,” said Koster, who is serving his second term as Bali Governor.
Although the mode of transport has changed, the planned corridor remains focused on connecting the airport with Canggu. The route is expected to serve heavily travelled areas in southern Bali, including the Kuta area.
Koster said construction is expected to begin in 2027 once the required regulatory framework has been completed.
“The ART starts in 2027. First things first—the Governor’s Regulation needs to be processed,” he said.
The Bali Provincial Government is currently preparing a study for the tram-based transport system. When contacted separately, the Head of the Bali Provincial Transportation Agency, I Kadek Mudarta, confirmed that the government is formulating the study but declined to provide further details at this stage.
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Underground Space Regulations Being Prepared
One of the main steps currently being taken by the provincial government is the preparation of regulations governing the use of underground space.
According to Koster, existing spatial planning regulations do not yet provide a sufficient legal framework for the utilisation of underground areas. A Governor’s Regulation (Pergub) is therefore being drafted to establish the necessary rules.
“Regulations on underground space utilisation are being created. A Governor’s Regulation is being drafted because it isn’t covered in the existing spatial planning rules,” Koster said.
He reiterated that the regulation is necessary before the ART project can proceed.
“Regulations for underground space utilisation are being drafted. A Governor’s Regulation is currently being designed because the spatial planning framework does not yet cover this aspect,” he said.
The proposed ART system is expected to operate on dedicated tracks that will need to be constructed separately from existing road traffic.
The system is planned to be built and operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), with the dedicated tracks intended to help the service operate without being affected by Bali’s existing traffic congestion.
Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa has also highlighted the importance of dedicated infrastructure for the planned rail connection.
“For Bali, alongside toll roads, the priority is establishing inter-city rail connectivity, as this will be far more effective. This way, people coming from anywhere—whether they live in Denpasar and work in Badung or vice versa—can commute easily,” Arnawa said during a meeting with PT KAI’s board of directors, according to a statement received by DetikBali on Wednesday (August 5, 2026).
To support the future tram service, the Badung Regency Government is planning to widen several main roads and provide dedicated lanes for public transport.
The measures are intended to prevent the ART from becoming caught in the same traffic congestion affecting roads across southern Bali.
With the regulatory framework still being prepared, the Bali Government’s immediate focus is completing the rules and study required for the new system. Construction of the Airport–Canggu ART project is currently targeted for 2027.
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