KAI Cirebon upgrades 30 km of railway track to improve train safety
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operational Area (Daop) 3 Cirebon, West Java, has upgraded 30.85 kilometres of railway track to maintain the safety and reliability of train travel in the region.
Daop 3 Cirebon Public Relations Manager Muhibbuddin said in Cirebon on Saturday that the work covered 1,234 rails and was carried out in stages while taking into account the smooth operation of train services.
“We are carrying out this infrastructure improvement to maintain travel safety while providing comfort to our customers,” he said.
In addition to the track upgrades, the company welded rail joints using the flashbutt welding method at 1,074 points.
He explained that this method uses electric current to heat both ends of the rail before pressure is applied until they fuse, producing a strong and homogeneous joint.
“Flashbutt welding work is carried out at 18 to 22 points per day until reaching a total of 1,074 joint points,” he said.
Muhibbuddin explained that improving the quality of rail joints is necessary to maintain the reliability of infrastructure that supports train travel safety.
The company also used the thermit welding method for specific needs, utilising a chemical reaction between aluminium powder and iron oxide to generate heat and melt the filler metal.
“Thermit welding requires a longer working time because it involves mould-making and cooling stages. This method is generally used in locations where flashbutt machine work is not possible,” he said.
In its implementation, he said, the work was carried out during window times, or designated periods when no trains pass through the work location.
He said this arrangement was made to minimise the impact on train journeys. However, speed restrictions remain in place when trains pass through work locations as a safety measure.
“We schedule the work during window times so that the impact on train journeys can be minimised. Speed restrictions remain in place when trains pass through work locations,” he said.
He is optimistic that the track quality improvements will support safer and more comfortable journeys, while increasing reliability and the efficiency of train travel times.
“We ensure that infrastructure work is carried out in stages and in a measured manner, while prioritising safety and the continuity of train operations in the Daop 3 Cirebon area,” he said.