Pangandaran Earthquake Halts Siliwangi Train Services Between Cipatat and Sukabumi
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operational Area (Daop) 2 Bandung temporarily suspended the Siliwangi train service on the Cipatat-Cianjur-Sukabumi route on Wednesday evening. The measure was taken to ensure all railway infrastructure remained safe following a 5.3 magnitude earthquake.
Daop 2 Bandung Public Relations Manager Kuswardojo confirmed the travel suspension is a mandatory standard operating procedure (SOP) for safety whenever a disaster occurs that could potentially affect train travel safety. The 5.3 magnitude earthquake was reported to be centred 79 kilometres southwest of Pangandaran Regency, West Java, at a depth of 18 kilometres, on Wednesday at 9.55 pm Western Indonesia Time (WIB).
“The tremors were felt across almost the entire operational area of KAI Daop 2 Bandung, particularly on the route from Nagreg Station to Banjar Station, the Cibatu to Garut route, and the Cipatat to Gandasoli route,” Kuswardoyo stated. Immediately after the earthquake, the Daop 2 Bandung Train Operations Control Centre instructed all trains to stop at the nearest station or on the tracks.
KAI Daop 2 Bandung deployed infrastructure teams to conduct thorough inspections of railway lines, bridges, tunnels, switches, and other supporting facilities along the affected routes. The intensive checks are being carried out to ensure there is no structural damage before train operations are permitted to resume. “We understand the potential delays experienced by passengers due to this temporary suspension. However, this step is necessary to ensure all journeys proceed safely, securely, and comfortably,” he explained.
Management apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers. As of 10.25 pm WIB, infrastructure inspections were still ongoing in several track sections. KAI Daop 2 Bandung urged passengers to remain calm and monitor operational updates periodically through official KAI channels. “We urge all customers to stay calm and follow the official information provided by KAI. Every operational decision prioritises safety as the foremost aspect of railway operations,” he concluded.