Adding train trips in West Sumatra, 12 train units imported from Java

PADANG, KOMPAS - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Regional Division (Divre) II West Sumatra (Sumbar) has brought in 12 additional train units from Java Island to support operations in Sumbar. This addition is expected to increase travel frequency and improve train services.

The Head of Public Relations of KAI Division II West Sumatra, M As’ad Habibuddin, Sunday (9/3/2025), stated that 12 train cars sent consisted of ten passenger cars and two power generator cars.

The train was sent by sea from Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, to Teluk Bayur Port, Padang. The loading process of the train took place from Saturday (8/3/2025) to Monday (10/3/2024). The journey to Padang is estimated to take seven days.

"Upon arrival in Padang, KAI Divre II West Sumatra will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the facilities and coordinate with various stakeholders before these trains are officially operated," said As’ad.

According to As’ad, the 12 newly arrived trains will be used to increase the frequency of the Pariaman Ekspres Fakultatif train service on the Pauh Lima (Padang)–Naras (Pariaman) route. In addition, KAI Divre II will also operate a new train service serving the Kayu Tanam–Padang route.

"We plan to operate these trains in the second half of 2025," he said.

As’ad also hopes that the addition of these trips will further facilitate the mobility of the people of West Sumatra with affordable, punctual, and comfortable railway transportation.

Separately, the Coordinator of the West Sumatra Railway Concerned Community (MPKAS), Yuhefizar, expressed his approval of the addition of this train. MPKAS continues to encourage the railway system in West Sumatra to remain active and operate efficiently.

"The addition of carriages will certainly lead to an increase in travel frequency. This means, based on studies, more people have started using trains recently. This is a positive development as it indicates that trains in West Sumatra are beginning to come back to life," said the man who works daily as a lecturer in the Information Technology Department at the Padang State Polytechnic.

Yuhefizar continued, the revival of railways in West Sumatra provides more transportation options, which can help reduce road congestion and decrease pollution. The economy and tourism are also becoming more vibrant, especially if integrated with the Padang-Sicincin toll road.

However, Yuhefizar also reminded that the increase in train frequency must also be followed by increased security at level crossings. "How can local governments secure to avoid accidents," he said.

In the future, Yuhefizar hopes that train services in West Sumatra will expand, including by reactivating train lines, developing new lines, or creating two lines so that the intensity of travel is higher.

Previously, KAI Divre II Sumbar also increased the frequency of Pariaman Ekspres Train trips serving the Pariman City-Padang City route starting February 2025. This was done to accommodate the high enthusiasm of passengers (Kompas.id, 1/17/2025).

The frequency of the Pariaman Ekspres train trips has increased by two trips, from eight to ten round trips every day. This addition is in line with the implementation of the 2025 Train Travel Chart (Gapeka) replacing Gapeka 2023.

"Starting February 1, 2025, KAI Divre II Sumbar will add two Pariaman Ekspres train trips from Pauh Lima (Padang) to Naras (Pariaman) round trip," said As'ad, Friday (17/1/2025).

The addition of the Pariaman Ekspres Train's travel frequency is to accommodate the high enthusiasm of passengers. Throughout 2024, the number of Pariaman Ekspres Train passengers reached 1,406,397 passengers or increased by 5 percent compared to 2023 with 1,336,352 passengers.

As for the passengers of the Pariaman Express Train, according to As'ad, they come from various backgrounds and purposes. They are like students and college students, office workers, and tourists.