Pariaman Ekspres Train Passengers Surge During Peak of 2026 Tabuik Festival

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division II West Sumatra recorded a significant surge in Pariaman Ekspres train passengers during the peak of the Tabuik Festival. Thousands of tourists packed this mode of transport to reach Pantai Gandoriah in Pariaman City on Sunday (28/6). The high level of public enthusiasm demonstrates that the train has become a primary choice for travel, offering a solution to avoid traffic jams en route to the event. To accommodate this mobility, KAI Divre II West Sumatra operated 10 trips daily with a total seating capacity of 4,240. KAI Divre II West Sumatra Head of Public Relations, Reza Shahab, revealed that on the festival’s peak day, passenger volume exceeded the available seating capacity. A total of 6,712 passengers used the service, reaching 158% of total capacity. ‘This figure shows the high public enthusiasm for using the train to attend the peak of the Tabuik Festival,’ Reza explained. Compared to a normal day, which averages 3,000 passengers, there was a passenger volume increase of around 124%. Beyond affordable fares, the destination station’s location, just about 200 metres from Pantai Gandoriah, is a major attraction. Passengers can immediately enjoy the festival series without worrying about finding parking or getting stuck in traffic. Fajar, a resident of Padang City, admitted to deliberately choosing the train for practicality. ‘Taking the train is more comfortable and punctual. Once we arrive in Pariaman, we can immediately enjoy the Tabuik Festival. This is the best choice during big events,’ he said. During the one-and-a-half-hour journey, passengers are also treated to views of the West Sumatran west coast, from stretches of rice fields to the panorama of the Indian Ocean. KAI Divre II West Sumatra continues to urge the public to plan their journeys more easily through the Access by KAI application. Local train tickets can be booked gradually starting from H-7 before departure. ‘We are grateful for the public’s trust. KAI will continue to improve service quality, maintain safety, and adjust operational patterns to meet public needs during high-demand moments,’ Reza concluded.