High Passenger Numbers on Trains During Eid Return Flow

PT Kereta Api Indonesia Regional Division I North Sumatra recorded a consistent increase in passenger volume during the 2026 Eid return period. Interestingly, the current number of train passengers has surpassed the peak mudik outbound figures as office activities resume and the long Idulfitri 1447 Hijriah holiday ends. Based on ticket sales data on Wednesday (25/3), KAI Divre I Sumut served 11,814 customers. This figure is higher than the mudik peak on 18 March, which recorded 10,940 passengers. This trend indicates more massive public movement in the return phase compared to the departure phase. Acting Head of Public Relations for KAI Divre I Sumut, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, stated that for Thursday’s (26/3) departures, 9,958 tickets have been sold. This phenomenon is expected to persist until the weekend, given that school activities will resume on Monday. “The passenger volume during this return flow tends to be larger than during mudik. This is influenced by Work From Home (WFH) or Work From Anywhere (WFA) policies in several institutions and offices, as well as the teaching and learning schedule starting on 30 March,” said Anwar. Cumulatively, over 22 days of the 2026 Eid Transportation period, KAI Divre I Sumut has distributed 186,861 tickets. The public is urged to book tickets via the Access by KAI app to ensure departure certainty to various destinations in North Sumatra. This year’s passenger movement dynamics also show an even distribution pattern. In addition to flows to Medan City, departures from Medan Station to supporting areas on the east coast also recorded significant volumes. This reflects the mobility of urban groups who have completed their holiday period in the provincial capital and are returning to their respective assignment areas. “KAI Divre I North Sumatra expresses appreciation for the public’s trust in choosing rail transport as the main mobility means during the 2026 Eid mudik and return periods. We are committed to serving wholeheartedly in providing inclusive, safe, and comfortable transportation services for all levels of society to support reliable regional connectivity,” said Anwar. Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that the train travel trend continues to rise entering the 2026 Eid return flow. Approximately 500,000 tickets are still available.