KAI North Sumatra completes installation of 2,293 synthetic sleepers on 48 bridges
Medan (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division I North Sumatra has completed the installation of 2,293 synthetic sleepers on 48 bridges as an effort to strengthen infrastructure reliability by replacing wooden sleepers that have deteriorated.
Acting Head of Public Relations of KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra, Anwar Yuli Prastyo in Medan, Thursday, said that the completion of the programme was an anticipatory step to ensure the readiness of the railway line in the lead-up to the Lebaran holiday travel period.
According to Anwar, the replacement of sleepers is an important part of maintaining the safety of railway journeys in the North Sumatra region.
“The completion of the installation of synthetic sleepers further strengthens the safety aspect of railway journeys. This material has good stability and is more resistant to environmental influences,” he said.
The programme to replace sleepers in the Regional Division I North Sumatra area has been ongoing since 2022 and has been carried out in stages based on technical priority.
As of February 2026, a total of 2,293 synthetic sleepers have been installed on 48 steel frame bridges spread across the Belawan-Rantauprapat line, including routes to Siantar and Tanjungbalai, with work focused on points that require increased structural reliability.
From a technical point of view, Anwar said that synthetic sleepers have high durability and better resistance to weather changes and exposure to chemicals compared to conventional wooden sleepers.
In addition, the ability to dampen vibrations and noise is maintained so that it does not reduce operational comfort.
“With a lifespan that can reach decades, synthetic sleepers provide added value in terms of reliability and long-term maintenance efficiency,” explained Anwar.
Furthermore, Anwar added that the use of synthetic materials is also in line with the company’s commitment to supporting the principles of sustainability. The transition from wooden sleepers to synthetic sleepers helps reduce the need for wood-based materials while supporting environmental conservation efforts.
“KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra continues to encourage the implementation of technology that supports safety while also paying attention to sustainability aspects. We are doing this so that railway services remain reliable and environmentally friendly,” he said.