KAI Sumut Ensures Operations Back to Normal After M5.6 Aceh Earthquake

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Regional Division I North Sumatra has confirmed that all train operations in its area have returned to normal following a magnitude 5.6 earthquake that struck Gayo Lues, Aceh, on Wednesday afternoon. “Emergency response measures and rigorous inspections were immediately implemented to ensure the safety and security of passenger journeys,” said Anwar Yuli Prastyo, Public Relations Manager of KAI Divre I North Sumatra, in Medan on Wednesday. He explained that shortly after the earthquake occurred at 11:18 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, the Railway Operations Control Centre (Pusdalopka) took preventive action by ordering an emergency stop for all train services at 11:20 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. “Safety is KAI’s top priority. As soon as we received the earthquake information, we immediately enforced a halt for all train journeys, both passenger and freight. A thorough inspection of the infrastructure was carried out to ensure all lines were completely safe before operations could resume,” Anwar stated. According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake’s epicentre was located 41 kilometres northeast of Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh, at a depth of 10 kilometres, and it did not pose a tsunami risk. The tremors were felt as far as North Sumatra, particularly in Medan, Deli Serdang, and Sibolga. Anwar said that KAI Divre I Sumut deployed officers to meticulously sweep and inspect all railway infrastructure. The inspection covered rail lines, bridges, signalling systems, and station building structures. The results of the visual inspection showed that the tremors, which lasted several seconds, did not damage station structures or railway track infrastructure. Passenger services at stations were also confirmed to be unaffected. After all lines were declared safe with no damage or potential hazards, he stated that train operations officially resumed normally at 12:09 p.m. Western Indonesian Time. The implementation of the emergency stop procedure caused six train journeys to experience operational delays ranging from 3 to 24 minutes, he added. “We apologise to all customers for the delays. This measure is part of our non-negotiable operational safety procedures to ensure the infrastructure is in prime condition,” Anwar concluded.