Origin of 'Foreign Object' That Temporarily Halted Whoosh on Kopo Elevated Track

The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, or Whoosh, was temporarily halted on the Kopo elevated track due to a ‘foreign object’ in the form of a sheet of metal on the rails. PT KCIC revealed that the origin of the metal sheet was suspected to have been carried by the wind during extreme weather conditions.

Train G1046 on the Tegalluar Summarecon-Halim route was stopped at KM 126+383 near the Kopo area on Friday, 3 April, at 4:45 PM WIB to ensure travel safety due to the handling of the foreign object, a sheet of metal that entered the track because of extreme weather, said Corporate Secretary of PT KCIC, Eva Chairunisa, in her statement on Sunday (5/4/2024).

Eva stated that the city of Bandung was hit by extreme weather on Friday (3/4). According to reports, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning caused trees to fall and damage to several facilities on various road sections.

The extreme weather conditions allowed light objects like the metal sheet to be carried by the wind and enter the track. However, there were no disruptions to other railway infrastructure, and all infrastructure remained in safe condition, she said.

Eva mentioned that the sensor system had detected the presence of the object, allowing it to be anticipated and not endanger the journey. The handling was completed at 4:48 PM WIB, and at 4:49 PM WIB, the train resumed its journey.

KCIC emphasises that all Whoosh tracks remain safe and are monitored through various layered safety systems. These systems include foreign object detection sensors, heavy rain and wind sensors, as well as earthquake detection systems integrated with travel control located in the Operation Control Center (OCC) or operational control centre, she explained.

Eva added that a track inspection has been conducted post-incident. She emphasised that all Whoosh infrastructure is ensured to be reliable, allowing Whoosh to operate normally.