KAI Halts Train Services Following 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operational Area 2 Bandung, West Java, halted the Siliwangi train service on the Cipatat-Cianjur-Sukabumi route to ensure all railway infrastructure was safe following a 5.3 magnitude earthquake. Kuswardojo, Public Relations Manager of KAI Daop 2 Bandung, stated on Wednesday that the temporary suspension of train journeys is part of standard safety operating procedures, mandatory whenever conditions could potentially affect travel safety. The company received information about the 5.3 magnitude earthquake, centred 79 kilometres southwest of Pangandaran Regency, West Java, at a depth of 18 kilometres, on Wednesday at 21:55 WIB. “The earthquake tremors were felt across almost the entire operational area of KAI Daop 2 Bandung, particularly on the lines from Nagreg Station to Banjar Station, the Cibatu Station to Garut Station line, and the Cipatat Station to Gandasoli Station line,” he said. Shortly after receiving the earthquake information, the Daop 2 Bandung Railway Operations Control Centre immediately implemented safety procedures by ordering all train journeys to stop temporarily. The company deployed infrastructure officers to conduct thorough inspections of rail lines, bridges, tunnels, switches, and other supporting infrastructure. The inspections were carried out to ensure all railway infrastructure was in a safe condition before train journeys could resume. “We understand the potential for delays experienced by customers due to the temporary suspension of train journeys. However, we must take this step to ensure all journeys proceed safely, securely, and comfortably,” he said. The company apologised for the inconvenience and thanked all customers for their understanding, noting that as of 22:25 WIB on Wednesday, infrastructure inspections were still ongoing on several lines affected by the earthquake tremors. KAI Daop 2 Bandung will continue to monitor developments on the ground and provide regular information updates to the public and customers through KAI’s official information channels. “We urge all customers to remain calm and follow the official information provided by KAI. Every operational decision always prioritises safety as the main aspect of organising train journeys,” he said.