KAI West Sumatra continues to optimise services amid fuel efficiency efforts

Padang (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia Divisi Regional II Sumatera Barat continues to optimise services for passengers amid efforts to improve fuel efficiency. “We are strengthening our role as an efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly public transport mode, one of which involves optimising the use of subsidised fuel,” said Head of Communications for PT KAI Sumbar, Reza Shahab, in Padang on Tuesday. He noted that from January to March 2026, KAI Divre II Sumbar recorded consumption of 225,480 litres of subsidised fuel to serve 512,741 passengers. “The utilisation of this energy is carried out in a measured and efficient manner to ensure that transport services continue to operate optimally amid limited energy resources,” he said. He added that the optimisation of subsidised fuel use is part of implementing Good Corporate Governance (GCG) principles, particularly in terms of accountability, responsibility, and efficient resource management. KAI Divre II Sumbar ensures that all subsidised fuel usage is transparent, on target, and in accordance with applicable regulations, so that the benefits are truly felt by the wider community. “With good corporate governance, every resource used can be accounted for while supporting the sustainability of company operations,” he stated. According to him, government support through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme is a key factor in maintaining the affordability of train services for the public. He explained that through PSO, the government provides subsidies to keep train fares affordable, allowing the public to enjoy safe, comfortable, and economical transport. “The optimisation of subsidised fuel use by KAI Divre II Sumbar is part of the company’s commitment to ensuring that this government support truly provides maximum benefits for the community, particularly in supporting daily mobility and regional economic growth,” he said. Reza added that fuel efficiency has a direct impact on the affordability of travel costs for the public. “The energy efficiency we implement has implications for more controlled operational costs, so the fares charged to passengers remain affordable. Amid fuel shortages, trains offer a cost-saving, safe, and reliable mobility solution,” he stated. This efficiency level is considered very good, given that train services in the Divre II Sumbar area cover medium-distance routes such as Padang-Naraspula return trips, as well as the KA Lembah Anai service between Padang and Kayutanam. The fuel usage covers locomotive operations as the main driver of train sets and generator engines for onboard electricity needs, such as lighting, air conditioning, and charging facilities for passengers. Furthermore, Reza explained that all diesel fleets in the Divre II Sumbar area are currently using B40 biosolar, a mixture of 60 per cent diesel and 40 per cent biodiesel. “The use of B40 biosolar not only supports operational efficiency but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions. This aligns with KAI’s commitment to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target,” he clarified. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, this fuel also has characteristics that are easier to break down naturally, thereby minimising pollution impacts on the environment, especially around rail tracks. On the other hand, KAI Divre II Sumbar also recorded the use of 65,900 litres of non-subsidised fuel allocated to support maintenance activities for facilities and infrastructure, including tools and machines for track maintenance to ensure train travel safety is maintained. Through efficient and sustainable energy management, KAI Divre II Sumbar reaffirms its commitment to continue providing reliable, affordable, and environmentally conscious transport services.