17 Modified M1 Dining Cars from Balai Yasa Tegal Now Operational, KAI Enhances Passenger Comfort

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is strengthening its service quality through upgraded facilities worked on by Balai Yasa Tegal. The workshop plays a vital role in the maintenance, repair, and modification of KAI’s rolling stock, including executive dining cars (M1) that form part of the customer service during long-distance journeys. KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that improving the quality of the M1 dining cars is part of the company’s effort to deliver a more comfortable, safe, and memorable journey for passengers. She noted that long-distance train travel is increasingly linked to the overall customer experience, from boarding and seating comfort to cleanliness, food service, and the ambience within the train set. “The M1 dining car serves an important function on long-distance journeys. In this space, passengers can enjoy food and beverages, take a short rest, and experience a warmer travel atmosphere. That is why improving the M1 is a focus for KAI,” Anne said. According to KAI data, Balai Yasa Tegal has completed 17 M1 dining cars over the past two years, with four units finished in 2024 and 13 units in 2025. All of these units are now operational and supporting customer service on various train journeys. In 2026, Balai Yasa Tegal is continuing work on 10 additional M1 dining cars. These units are still undergoing technical processes, including equipment inspection, component repair, interior arrangement, strengthening of passenger facilities, and safety testing before they can be put into operation. The latest service enhancement has also been introduced on the Sindang Marga train serving the Kertapati–Lubuklinggau route in Regional Division III Palembang, expanding the dining experience for passengers in South Sumatra. Anne explained that the M1 dining car work is carried out with attention to both technical aspects and passenger comfort. Inspections cover the underframe, bogies, braking systems, electrical systems, spatial layout, lighting, and facility completeness. Every modified carriage must pass quality checks to meet KAI’s operational standards. In terms of interior, the M1 dining cars are designed with a more comfortable and functional layout. The dining area is better arranged so passengers can enjoy their meals with ease, while lighting, seating configuration, and room ambience are prepared to offer a more pleasant dining experience during the journey. The M1 dining car also serves a social function onboard. On long-distance trips, this area often becomes a place for passengers to unwind, converse, enjoy the scenery, and experience a friendlier travel atmosphere. The onboard dining space is part of the experience that distinguishes train travel from other modes of transport. Anne added that the M1 dining car improvements also support KAI Services in providing food and beverage options for passengers. With a tidier and more comfortable space, service can be delivered with a better experience, in line with KAI’s service standards. Balai Yasa Tegal has a long history in the maintenance and development of KAI’s rolling stock. Behind every carriage that returns to serve passengers lies a technical process, worker precision, and layered supervision to ensure the equipment meets safety, reliability, and comfort requirements. “KAI appreciates the personnel at Balai Yasa Tegal who maintain the quality of the rolling stock through their expertise and meticulousness. This M1 dining car improvement is part of KAI’s commitment to delivering safe, comfortable, and increasingly memorable journeys for passengers,” Anne concluded.