KCIC assures Whoosh remains operational amid volcanic ash mitigation measures

Jakarta (ANTARA) — PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) has assured that all Whoosh high-speed rail operations on the Jakarta-Bandung corridor continue to run safely and normally through layered monitoring, whilst mitigating the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.

KCIC General Manager of Corporate Secretary Eva Chairunisa said the monitoring involves the company’s operations, safety, rolling stock and infrastructure units, including running a Confirmation Train before passenger services begin.

“Based on monitoring results up to now, all Whoosh facilities and infrastructure are functioning normally and no disruptions affecting journeys have been found. Whoosh continues to operate safely and normally, with passenger safety as the top priority,” said Eva in an official statement received in Jakarta on Monday.

Monitoring is carried out through the Operation Control Center (OCC) as well as direct inspections along the route.

The system monitors various critical components, ranging from the overhead power network or Overhead Catenary System (OCS), power supply, rails, signalling to track switches.

KCIC also has a safeguarding mechanism should the system detect abnormal conditions. Notifications will appear at the OCC, and the system can automatically reduce the speed of Whoosh trains as a mitigation measure.

Monitoring is conducted along the entire 142.3-kilometre Whoosh route, which comprises 82.7 kilometres of elevated track, 42.78 kilometres of at-grade track, and 13 tunnels with a total length of 16.82 kilometres.

Particular attention is given to open sections of the route, which have greater potential for exposure to volcanic ash.

From the train operations side, driver reports indicate that visibility along the route remains normal.

Whoosh trainsets are also equipped with water-spraying wipers to help clean dust or ash sticking to the windscreen, thereby maintaining driver visibility.

Should conditions change and reduce visibility, drivers will adjust travelling speed according to field conditions and applicable operational procedures.

KCIC also monitors the trainsets’ air filters and the CCTV that monitors the condition of the pantographs.

Meanwhile, on the infrastructure side, monitoring is carried out on insulation components, the overhead power network system, substations, signalling, and track switch mechanisms.

To date, all of this equipment is still functioning normally and has not been affected by the volcanic ash.

KCIC is also conducting a Volcanic Ash Risk Assessment with reference to official information from the BMKG, Indonesia’s meteorology agency.

The results of the assessment form the basis for KCIC to determine additional mitigation measures should the intensity of volcanic ash increase and potentially affect Whoosh operations.

“Passengers are advised to wear masks and glasses, especially when in open station areas, and to look after their health. Passengers are also asked to follow staff instructions and monitor the latest information through the Contact Center and Whoosh’s official social media,” she said.

Through layered monitoring of rolling stock and infrastructure, risk assessment, and operational adjustments based on field conditions, KCIC is ensuring that Whoosh services continue to run whilst maintaining safety amid potential volcanic ash exposure.