Just a Small Station, But This Is Why All Trains Must Stop Here

Although it is merely a small station not located in the city centre, Stasiun Cipeundeuy (CPD) in Cikarang District, Malangbong, Garut, West Java, plays a vital role in the safety of train journeys.

Uniquely, all trains, including executive class ones, are required to stop briefly at this station, not for boarding or alighting passengers, but for technical inspections.

The mandatory stop policy at Stasiun Cipeundeuy was introduced following the Trowek Tragedy on 24 October 1995. In that incident, the Galuh and Kahuripan trains fell into a ravine due to brake failure on the downhill track after passing Trowek Bridge.

According to Ayep Hanapi, the Public Relations Manager of PT KAI’s Daop 2 Bandung, the rule to stop at Stasiun Cipeundeuy is included in the 2023 Train Travel Schedule (Gapeka).

There are several main reasons: Stasiun Cipeundeuy is situated at an elevation of 772 metres above sea level, and the track after the station features a long and fairly steep descent. Therefore, every train passing through must undergo a brake inspection to ensure the entire consist is safe to navigate the track’s contour.

Typically, trains stop for 10 minutes for standard checks. If there is a crossing with another train, the stop time may be extended to 15–20 minutes.

Unlike other stations used for passenger boarding and alighting, Stasiun Cipeundeuy is specifically designated as a technical inspection station.

The Daop 2 KAI Facilities Unit team inspects the entire train consist and ensures everything is functioning normally before the train is allowed to depart again.

Ayep explained that passengers are permitted to alight briefly during the inspection. They may do so, but KAI emphasises that the facilities inside the train are already very comprehensive, from toilets and restaurant cars to prayer rooms for passengers.

Passengers who alight can reboard simply by showing their ticket to the staff.