KAI confirms train travel remains safe after magnitude 4.9 earthquake
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operational Area 2 Bandung has confirmed that all train journeys within its operational region remain safe following a magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck on Sunday evening (19/7).
KAI Daop 2 Bandung Public Relations Manager Kuswardojo stated that the safety of train travel is KAI’s top priority under all conditions, including during natural disasters.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake was centred 83 kilometres south of Sukabumi Regency, West Java, at coordinates 7.73 South latitude and 106.53 East longitude, with a depth of 23 kilometres.
“The tremors were felt in the PT KAI Daop 2 Bandung operational area on the Cibeber–Gandasoli line, where at the time of the incident, the Siliwangi Train (343) on the Cipatat–Sukabumi route was entering Cibeber-Cianjur Station,” he said.
The Siliwangi Train arrived at Cibeber Station on schedule when the earthquake occurred. As part of safety procedures, the journey was not immediately continued.
KAI Daop 2 Bandung officers promptly conducted a thorough inspection of railway infrastructure on the affected line, including tracks, bridges, tunnels, and supporting operational facilities, to ensure everything was in safe and fit condition for passage.
After confirming there were no disruptions or damage to the infrastructure, the Siliwangi Train was cleared to depart from Cibeber Station towards Sukabumi Station, albeit with a 19-minute delay from its original schedule.
“KAI Daop 2 Bandung confirms that inspection results show all infrastructure on the Cibeber–Gandasoli line is in safe condition and sustained no damage from the earthquake,” he said.
The inspection was carried out according to operational standards as a precautionary measure before train travel could resume, with the safety of passengers, train crew, and operations always being PT KAI’s top priority.
“Whenever an earthquake occurs that could potentially affect railway lines, KAI will immediately implement emergency response procedures by temporarily halting train travel on the affected line for inspection by infrastructure officers,” he said.