Transport Minister: Cikarang Line KRL Services Prepared for Full Operation This Afternoon
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that KRL Cikarang Line services are being prepared to resume full operations this afternoon, after being disrupted by a collision between a Commuter Line train and a long-distance train at Bekasi Timur Station on Monday (27/4) night.
The Minister explained that the plan to reopen Jabodetabek KRL services, particularly the Cikarang and Bekasi routes, awaits clearance from the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), which is conducting a thorough investigation.
“Once this is declared clear, then for the KRL, God willing, we can reopen it this afternoon for KRL services,” said the Minister during a press conference at Bekasi Timur Station, as monitored online in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to Dudy, preparations are currently underway through track trials, signalling system checks, and various other technical aspects to ensure the station is ready to serve passengers again.
He emphasised that safety is the top priority in every stage of operational recovery, so all processes are carried out carefully without haste to guarantee the security of rail transport users.
Dudy also urged PT Kereta Api Indonesia to ensure all safety aspects are met before Bekasi Timur Station reopens and resumes normal KRL operations.
Meanwhile, the route for long-distance trains has been passable since early this morning around 02:00 WIB, although speed restrictions are still in place in accordance with KNKT’s technical recommendations.
He added that the KNKT’s further evaluation covers the physical condition of the tracks, signalling system, and electrical infrastructure to ensure no potential risks that could endanger subsequent train journeys.
According to him, track testing has actually been conducted by passing long-distance trains, but further testing is still needed to ensure full readiness for KRL services that use the electrical system.
Dudy stated that most activities at Bekasi Timur Station are dominated by KRL users, so the reopening of services must fully ensure that technical and safety aspects have been declared safe.
He stressed that his side does not want to rush opening services before all aspects are declared safe by the KNKT, so the public is asked to be patient while waiting for confirmation of operations resuming this afternoon.
At the same location, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) President Director Bobby Rasyidin conveyed that operational recovery continues following the incident at Bekasi Timur Station.
He explained that the downstream route was reopened on Tuesday (28/4) early morning around 01:30 WIB, so long-distance trains coming from the east can already pass through.
In addition, the upstream route has also been cleared of debris since around 02:00 WIB and declared safe for use jointly with the National Transportation Safety Committee for long-distance train journeys.
Nevertheless, KAI is still imposing a speed limit of up to 30 kilometres per hour in the station area as a precautionary measure to maintain safety during the recovery period.
Bobby affirmed that Cikarang Line KRL services are planned to resume operations in the afternoon with normal frequency.
He also emphasised that safety is the company’s top priority with no tolerance for violations of safety standards, and ensuring service quality is maintained during and after the recovery period.
As an emergency response, KAI has opened two posts at Bekasi Timur Station and Gambir Station for the next 14 days, while conveying apologies and a commitment to ongoing improvements.