KAI Tests Locomotive Pulling 60 Coal Wagons, Transport Capacity Set to Increase

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI plans to increase its coal transport capacity. To support this target, KAI conducted a trial of the CC205 locomotive on the South Sumatra route on 12 May 2026. KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the testing was carried out to measure the equipment’s capability in supporting the enhancement of energy logistics distribution. “To increase coal transport capacity, KAI continues to strengthen its facilities and conduct operational trials. The testing involved pulling a train of 60 coal wagons on an uphill track,” said Anne in an official statement on Wednesday (13/5/2026). The rails were then sprayed with water to test the locomotive’s adhesion capability as the return journey was conducted under more challenging track conditions. The trial results showed that the locomotive was still capable of pulling a load of around 4,000 tonnes on that track. The testing was conducted to measure the locomotive’s performance in supporting the increasing volume of coal transport. Anne stated that the strengthening of goods transport capacity is being done gradually due to the continuously rising national logistics distribution needs. “The reliability of logistics distribution will be one of the key factors in supporting economic growth and national energy resilience. Therefore, capacity development is carried out with a measured approach based on long-term needs,” said Anne. Sectors such as education, healthcare services, public transportation, digital data centres, industrial zones, and government services require a stable daily energy supply. In the national electricity system, coal remains the primary energy source for power plants. Therefore, coal distribution is considered crucial to maintaining the stability of economic activities and society.