After 5.6 SR Earthquake in Aceh, KAI North Sumatra Division I Confirms Operations Back to Normal and Tracks Safe
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Regional Division I North Sumatra has confirmed that all train operations in its area have returned to normal following a 5.6 magnitude earthquake that shook the Gayo Lues area of Aceh on Wednesday (22/7). Emergency response measures and rigorous inspections were immediately implemented to ensure the safety and security of passenger journeys.
Public Relations Manager of North Sumatra Division I, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, explained that moments after the earthquake struck at 11:18 WIB, the Train Operations Control Centre (Pusdalopka) immediately took preventive action by instructing all train drivers to perform an Emergency Stop (BLB) at 11:20 WIB.
"Safety is KAI’s top priority. As soon as we received the earthquake information, we immediately imposed an emergency stop for all train journeys, both passenger and freight. A comprehensive inspection of the infrastructure was promptly carried out to ensure all tracks were completely safe before operations resumed," Anwar said in a statement received on Wednesday (22/7).
According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake’s epicentre was located 41 kilometres northeast of Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh, at a depth of 10 kilometres, and it had no tsunami potential. The tremors were felt as far as North Sumatra, particularly in Medan, Deli Serdang, and Sibolga.
Although the tremors were felt in several operational areas, KAI Division I deployed personnel to comb through and inspect all railway infrastructure in detail. The inspection covered tracks, bridges, signalling systems, and station building structures.
The visual inspection results showed that the tremors, which lasted several seconds, did not damage station structures or track infrastructure. Passenger services at stations were also confirmed to be unaffected.
After all tracks were declared safe with no damage or potential hazards, train operations officially resumed normally at 12:09 WIB. The implementation of the emergency stop procedure caused six train journeys to experience operational delays ranging from 3 to 24 minutes.
"We apologise to all customers for the delays. This measure is part of non-negotiable operational safety procedures to ensure the infrastructure is in prime condition," Anwar stated.