Operational Area 7 Streamlines Railway Level Crossings in Sanankulon-Blitar
…Level crossings pose a high risk, especially if they are not properly monitored.
Blitar (ANTARA) – PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operational Area 7 Madiun, East Java, is streamlining railway lines by normalising tracks and closing high-risk level crossings in the Blitar area.
Public Relations Manager of PT KAI (Persero) Operational Area 7 Madiun, Tohari, stated on Tuesday that the closure was carried out at level crossing 203 Km 125+8/9, Sanankulon Village/District, Blitar Regency. This was done to ensure public safety.
“Level crossings pose a high risk, especially if they are not monitored and do not meet the technical requirements. This closure is a concrete preventive measure to protect the public, especially those living near the tracks and those who cross them, and to minimise disruptions to train journeys,” said Tohari in a statement in Blitar.
He added that they had also coordinated with the Directorate General of Railways, Class I Surabaya Technical Centre, the Blitar Regency Transportation Department and the Blitar Police Traffic Unit regarding the closure.
The closure process began with a safety briefing to ensure the safety of personnel, followed by permanent marking and the installation of barriers using rails as a sign that the track can no longer be used by vehicles.
In addition, Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic also requires road users to prioritise train journeys.
Tohari also said that the urgency of the closure was driven by data on accidents, which remained quite significant.
Throughout 2025, 24 accidents were recorded at level crossings and on railway tracks in the Operational Area 7 Madiun area.
According to the data, most of these were caused by negligence of road users, such as ignoring barriers, not stopping when the signal sounds, or continuing to cross when the train is already visible.
He appealed to the public to support this measure for the sake of mutual safety and to always use official level crossings.
“Safety is not only the responsibility of KAI, but a shared responsibility. We invite all members of the public to support the streamlining of level crossings in order to create safe, secure and reliable train journeys,” said Tohari.
Previously, in early February 2026, Operational Area 7 also closed a level crossing at Km 127+9/0 on the track between Blitar Station and Rejotangan Station, specifically in Ngaglik Village, Srengat District, Blitar Regency.