New train plying Bandung-Surakarta

BANDUNG: Starting on May 12, state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is running a new service between Bandung in West Java and Surakarta in Central Java, replacing the previous Pajajaran train.

"We will provide new carriages and interiors," KAI spokesman Akhmad Sujadi said here on Thursday.

To brighten journeys made on the train, called the Lodya, each carriage will be furnished with several paintings, he said, adding that the refurbishment was costing the company Rp 800 million.

The Lodaya has 356 seats, 100 of which are executive chairs. It will depart Bandung at 7.30 a.m. and reach Surakarta in seven hours and 25 minutes. The return trip is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Tickets in business class are to be sold at Rp 40,000 each while executive tickets are Rp 70,000 per passenger. (25/edt)