Factors Affecting Delayed Implementation of Railway Station Projects: Case Studies in Indonesia

Purpose: This research aims to identify risk indicators of delays in critical scheduling activities of a railway station construction project from the service provider's perspective. It aims to help prepare and respond to potential delays, ensuring project success and boosting economic growth and national connectivity in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: A literature study was conducted to identify variable risk information on project delays in a railway station project. Expert validation was done using Delphi methods or structured interviews. Focus group discussion (FGD) was used to identify the most dominant risks in each critical scheduling activity. The study revealed 51 risk variables influencing project delays, with 22 dominant risks identified in a case study project. FGD surveys were conducted on each critical activity, and data from five experts was evaluated using descriptive techniques and elimination techniques to determine the most influential risk. The results were that there were 9 critical activities and 6 most dominant risks. Findings: The study reveals that delays in completing the railway station project are primarily due to issues with issuing permits, which is the most significant risk factor for the three critical activities. Other risks include working on the active track, adjusting train operation patterns, dependencies between phases and work packages, long decision- making processes by the project owner, and complicated construction authorization procedures. Research limitations/implications: Further comprehensive investigation is required to ascertain the impact of project risk assessment on the expenses and caliber of additional railway projects, in addition to projects with broader scopes like other transportation construction projects. Originality/value: This study analyzes and identifies the most dominant risks to critical activities of railway station projects, and investigates their impact on project completion time optimization.