KAI Enhances Long-Distance Train Services with Dining Carriage Modernisation

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is continuing to improve the quality of its long-distance travel services through the modernisation of executive dining carriages (M1). By mid-2026, 17 dining carriages have been refurbished and are in operation, while 10 more units are still undergoing upgrades at the Tegal Railway Workshop. KAI Vice President Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the modernisation is part of KAI’s commitment to delivering a more comfortable, safe, and memorable travel experience. She noted that railway services today are measured not only by punctuality but also by the quality of facilities enjoyed by customers during their journey. “The M1 dining carriage plays an important role in long-distance travel. In this space, customers can enjoy food and beverages, take a short rest, and experience a warmer travel atmosphere. Therefore, improving the quality of the M1 is also a focus for KAI,” Anne said in a written statement on Tuesday (30/6/2026). According to KAI data, the Tegal Railway Workshop has completed the modernisation of 17 M1 dining carriages over the past two years. Four units were finished in 2024 and 13 others were completed throughout 2025. All of these carriages are now in operation supporting various long-distance train journeys. Meanwhile, in 2026 the Tegal Railway Workshop is continuing work on 10 M1 dining carriage units. The process includes a thorough inspection of the underframe, bogies, braking systems, electrical installations, interior layout, enhancement of customer facilities, and safety testing before the carriages are returned to service. Anne explained that the improvements focus not only on technical aspects but also on customer comfort. The dining carriage layout has been designed to be more functional, with better lighting, more comfortable seating arrangements, and a more organised dining area so that customers can enjoy food and beverages during the journey with greater ease. “From the 17 units that have been completed and are operating, customers can already directly experience the results of the facility strengthening carried out by the Tegal Railway Workshop. Meanwhile, the 10 units being processed in 2026 are part of the continuity of KAI’s service improvement,” Anne said. The modernisation of the M1 dining carriage has also begun to be applied to the KA Sindang Marga serving the Kertapati–Lubuklinggau round-trip route in Regional Division III Palembang. The presence of these facilities is expected to further enrich the customer experience in enjoying food and beverage services during train journeys in South Sumatra. According to Anne, the dining carriage functions not only as a place to enjoy meals but also as a space for customers to rest, chat, or enjoy the scenery during the journey. This experience is one of the added values that distinguishes train travel from other modes of transport. In addition to enhancing customer comfort, the renewal of the M1 dining carriage also supports KAI Services in presenting food and beverages with better service standards. The entire modernisation process is carried out under layered supervision to ensure every facility meets safety, reliability, and comfort aspects before returning to serve the public. “KAI appreciates the personnel of the Tegal Railway Workshop who continue to maintain the quality of facilities through their expertise and meticulousness in work. This improvement of the M1 dining carriage is part of KAI’s commitment to delivering a safe, comfortable, and increasingly memorable journey for customers,” Anne concluded.