KAI Operates 391 New Generation Trains, Modernisation Investment Reaches Rp5.5 Trillion
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has commenced the operation of 391 ‘New Generation’ stainless steel carriages as part of a passenger rolling stock modernisation programme targeted for completion by 2027. The procurement programme represents a total investment of Rp5.505 trillion.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that to date, 39 trainsets—comprising 391 stainless steel New Generation carriages produced by PT INKA (Persero)—have been handed over and are currently serving various long-distance rail routes. “The procurement programme for 612 New Generation carriages is KAI’s long-term investment to gradually renew passenger facilities. Every operating trainset brings a higher standard of comfort and is part of our ongoing service development,” Anne said in a statement.
The modernisation programme began in 2023, with a total procurement goal of 612 stainless steel New Generation units to be finalised by 2027. This total includes 297 executive class carriages, 199 economy class carriages, 57 dining cars, 57 power cars, and two baggage cars.
According to Anne, the procurement of these new-generation trains is intended to enhance service quality and meet passenger demand for more comfortable and modern travel. The New Generation stainless steel sets are equipped with several new facilities, including ergonomic seats, seats that recline up to 135 degrees, increased legroom, folding tables, power sockets, and USB ports at every seat, as well as automatic sliding doors.
For certain services, KAI has also introduced additional amenities such as a Passenger Information Display System (PIDS), toilets equipped with foot washers, prayer rooms (musala), baby changing tables, and blankets for certain overnight journeys. Anne explained that KAI continues to refine the New Generation sets based on customer feedback and operational evaluations. “During the delivery and operation process of the New Generation sets, we have received significant input from both customers and operational staff. This feedback serves as material for joint evaluation so that improvements can be implemented in subsequent trainsets,” she noted.
Currently, the New Generation stainless steel sets are utilised across various long-distance services, including executive, mixed executive-economy, and economy classes. For executive services, the new carriages are operational on flagship trains such as KA Argo Dwipangga, Argo Lawu, Argo Anggrek, Argo Semeru, Bima, Taksaka, Gajayana, and Parahyangan. For mixed executive-economy services, they are used on routes including KA Lodaya, Mataram, Bogowonto, Batavia, Gumarang, Jayabaya, Bangunkarta, and Singasari. For economy class, the New Generation sets are currently operating on KA Jaka Tingkir, Progo, and Majapahit.
Anne added that the increasing number of carriages received from PT INKA will expand the use of New Generation sets across various rail routes until the programme concludes in 2027. “KAI continues to undertake sustainable facility development. As the number of trainsets received and operated increases until the programme is complete, more passengers will be able to enjoy journeys with the New Generation comfort standard,” she concluded.