KAI Enhances Long-Distance Train Services with Dining Carriage Modernisation
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to improve the quality of long-distance travel services through the modernisation of executive dining cars (M1). By mid-2026, 17 dining car units have been successfully refurbished and are in operation, while another 10 units are currently undergoing upgrades at the Tegal Workshop (Balai Yasa Tegal).
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that this modernisation is part of KAI’s commitment to providing a more comfortable, safe, and memorable travel experience. She noted that railway service is no longer measured solely by punctuality, but also by the quality of facilities enjoyed by passengers during their journey.
“The M1 dining cars play a vital role in long-scale journeys. In this space, passengers can enjoy food and beverages, take a short rest, and experience a warmer travel atmosphere. Therefore, improving the quality of M1 cars is a priority for KAI,” Anne said in a written statement on Tuesday (30/06/2026).
According to KAI data, the Tegal Workshop completed the modernisation of 17 M1 dining car units over the last two years. Four units were completed in 2024, and 13 others were finished throughout 2025. All these cars are now operational to support various long-distance train services.
Meanwhile, in 2026, the Tegal Workshop is continuing work on 10 M1 dining car units. The process includes thorough inspections of the chassis, bogies, braking systems, electrical installations, interior arrangement, passenger facility upgrades, and safety testing before the cars return to service.
Anne explained that the upgrades focus not only on technical aspects but also on passenger comfort. The dining car layout has been redesigned to be more functional, featuring better lighting, more comfortable seating arrangements, and a more organised dining area, allowing passengers to enjoy their meals and drinks more freely during the journey.
“From the 17 units that have been completed and are operational, passengers can already directly experience the results of the facility reinforcements carried out by the Tegal Workshop. Meanwhile, the 10 units being processed in 2026 are part of KAI’s continuous service improvement,” said Anne.
The modernisation of M1 dining cars has also begun to be implemented on the KA Sindang Marga service, operating the Kertapati–Lubuklinggau route in the Palembang Regional Division III. The presence of these facilities is expected to further enrich the passenger experience in enjoying food and beverage services during train journeys in South Sumatra.
According to Anne, the dining car serves not only as a place to enjoy meals but also as a space for passengers to rest, converse, or enjoy the scenery during the trip. This experience provides added value that distinguishes rail travel from other modes of transport.
In addition to enhancing passenger comfort, the renewal of M1 dining cars also supports KAI Services in providing food and beverages with higher service standards. The entire modernisation process is conducted under multi-layered supervision to ensure every facility meets safety, reliability, and comfort standards before returning to public service.
“KAI appreciates the staff at the Tegal Workshop who continue to maintain facility quality through their expertise and precision. This M1 dining car upgrade is part of KAI’s commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and increasingly memorable journeys for our passengers,” concluded Anne.