KAI temporarily closes upstream Prupuk-Linggapura line

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daerah Operasi 5 Purwokerto has temporarily closed the upstream line at the Double Track Bridge Structure Hikmat (BH) Number 1109 between Prupuk-Linggapura on Friday, as a safety measure following damage to the bridge structure. The Public Relations Manager of KAI Daop 5 Purwokerto, M. As’ad Habibuddin, in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, on Friday afternoon, stated that the damage occurred to the bridge’s hydraulic section, including the drempel or base threshold area, pillars, and embankments, due to the high river discharge during intense rainfall. “Currently, we are implementing Semboyan 3 on the upstream line, which means the line ahead is unsafe or there is potential danger, so trains must stop before crossing the location,” he said. He added that train journeys are temporarily being conducted alternately via the downstream line, which can still be traversed without speed restrictions. As an handling effort, he said, KAI Daop 5 Purwokerto is carrying out protection work using steel sheet piles or steel revetments, implemented in stages adjusted to field conditions, especially when the water discharge recedes. In addition, he continued, KAI is also conducting intensive monitoring and deploying personnel at the site to ensure the handling process runs optimally. He emphasised that the implementation of Semboyan 3 is temporary and will be lifted once the conditions are declared safe, including after the weather improves and the water discharge returns to normal. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused, including potential journey delays. However, the safety of train operations and customers remains the top priority,” said As’ad.