Government Accelerates Cikarang-Cikampek KRL Extension

The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed the extension of the Cikarang-Cikampek electric rail service (KRL) is being accelerated to increase service capacity, shorten travel times, and meet the mobility needs of the Greater Jakarta community. “Regarding the extension of the Greater Jakarta KRL from Cikarang towards Cikampek, we have discussed this electrification with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI),” said Allan Tandiono, Director General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation, in Jakarta on Saturday. He stated that several acceleration measures are being prepared by PT KAI, state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), and the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BP Danantara). “And we will accelerate everything,” Allan said. He stressed the project is being expedited due to the high public demand for faster, more comfortable, and integrated electric rail services towards Jakarta. Currently, the Greater Jakarta KRL service terminates at Cikarang Station because the Cikarang-Karawang and Karawang-Cikampek tracks lack the electrification infrastructure to support electric train operations. Through electrification, Cikampek residents will be able to enjoy direct KRL services with a shorter travel time to Jakarta. The government is also commencing electrification upgrades on the Tanah Abang-Rangkasbitung Green Line to address daily increases in passenger congestion. “As conveyed by KAI, during peak hours the capacity utilisation reaches 161 percent. So this is indeed an issue for which we need to find a solution immediately,” he said. The upgrade of the electric traction system on the Green Line will allow for longer KRL train sets, significantly increasing passenger carrying capacity during peak hours. Allan stated the government is also accelerating the construction of a double-double track (DDT) to separate long-distance train lines from KRL tracks, making journeys smoother, safer, and more punctual. The track separation will improve railway operational reliability and support the development of KRL services to Cikampek without disrupting intercity trains using the same corridor.