KAI sets out budget and two-stage plan for Bali's airport–Canggu tram

In brief: On 5 November 2026, the head of Indonesia's state railway operator put the indicative cost of a planned Bali tram at slightly more than Rp2 trillion. The proposed connection would run from Ngurah Rai Airport to Canggu in two stages; passengers cannot use it yet, and no confirmed opening date was announced.

A new budget figure following the presidential meeting

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) president director Bobby Rasyidin discussed the project after meeting President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on 5 November. He described a funding requirement of a little over two trillion Indonesian rupiah for the Bali railway scheme. The announcement did not provide a detailed allocation between the planned sections or establish a final funding schedule.

Indonesia's Cabinet Secretariat separately reported presidential directions to develop rail transport on Bali. The proposed airport corridor passes through the southern tourism and residential areas of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak before reaching Canggu. Those place names indicate the broad route; they do not yet tell future passengers exactly where they will board.

The proposed airport–Legian and Legian–Canggu phases

KAI's proposed sequence starts with Ngurah Rai International Airport–Legian. A second phase would continue from Legian towards Canggu, through the Seminyak area. Rasyidin referred to a construction period of around two years, although accounts of his remarks differ on whether that estimate covers the entire scheme or individual phases. It would be premature to convert that figure into a definite opening year.

The preparatory agreement predates the budget statement. On 1 September, the Bali provincial government, Badung Regency and KAI signed an agreement to pursue the rail connection. Their concept involves a battery-powered electric tram. Bali's government subsequently described March 2027 as a target for breaking ground. The November meeting added a more specific budget figure and phasing. It supplied no evidence that construction had begun, and the earlier target remained provisional.

Station access and fares will determine everyday use

The corridor matters beyond airport transfers: people living in and around southern Bali also make regular trips between these neighbourhoods. A functioning tram could offer a useful alternative to road travel, but the practical benefit will vary from one street to another. Published information from the 5 November announcements does not specify confirmed station sites, fares, service frequency or interchange arrangements.

Anyone considering a longer rental in Canggu or Seminyak still has to budget for the transport options available today. A proposed tram should not be used as proof of imminent traffic relief or higher future property values. Once the alignment, stops and construction programme are established, the effect on individual locations can be assessed on firmer grounds.