KAI Madiun Predicts Peak Eid Travel Rush on 18 March 2026

Vice President of PT Kereta Api Indonesia Operational Division 7 Madiun Ali Afandi stated that the railway operator predicts the peak of the 2026 Eid homecoming rush at several stations within its operating area will occur on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

“We predict the peak homecoming rush on 18 March. We estimate approximately 16,000 people will arrive at Madiun Station,” Afandi said in Madiun, East Java, on Saturday.

The return journey peak is predicted to occur on 24 March, with an estimated 18,000 passengers departing.

In total, the railway service expects to transport approximately 229,000 passengers during the 22-day 2026 Eid holiday transport period across the Madiun operational division, representing a 4 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

“To accommodate the high number of passengers, we have prepared 15 locomotives in operational condition. We have also added two additional trains, including the Brantas Eid Train departing from Blitar and one motor train at no additional cost,” Afandi said.

PT KAI’s Madiun operational division stated it is fully prepared to support the smooth operation of the 2026 Eid transport service. The division has deployed 355 internal personnel and joint forces with the Indonesian military and police for security at stations, trains, and railway crossings.

Additional personnel have been positioned at three high-risk routes: Madiun-Babadan, Saradan-Wilangan, and Rejotangan-Blitar, which feature lengthy bridges. The division is coordinating with the Basin and River Watershed Agency for monitoring water flow and river currents.

“KAI Madiun has prepared 90 additional personnel to guard 39 unmonitored level crossings. Personnel will be divided across three shifts to provide 24-hour coverage,” Afandi explained.

Since the 2026 Eid transport period began on Wednesday, 11 March, through Friday, 13 March, the Madiun division reported that a total of 16,180 passengers departed from the division, whilst a total of 27,811 passengers arrived at stations within the Madiun operational division.