Transport Minister Says Tanah Abang–Rangkasbitung KRL Carriages to Be Replaced with Larger Ones
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has revealed plans to enhance the capacity of commuter rail services on the Tanah Abang–Rangkasbitung line by replacing the train sets with larger ones.
This step is aimed at addressing passenger density while improving mass transportation services in the Jakarta buffer regions.
“For the Rangkasbitung line, I have instructed the Director General of Railways to replace the trains with larger ones so that the carrying capacity is greater,” Dudy said in Jakarta on Thursday (9/4/2026).
Nevertheless, Dudy emphasised that replacing the KRL train sets must be supported by improvements to the electrification network.
He hopes that accelerating electrification can serve as a medium-term solution, especially since building the MRT takes longer.
“I very much hope that while waiting for the MRT, which may take some time, we can improve the electrification so that the carrying capacity can be increased,” he explained.
With a better electrification system, Dudy said, the frequency of train services (headway) can be shortened.
“If we can utilise electrification well, then the headway can be shorter and the carrying capacity will be much greater,” he stated.
In addition to improving services, this development is also expected to encourage the even distribution of housing in the capital’s buffer regions.
“With development towards the east, such as Cikarang–Cikampek, and to the west, such as Rangkasbitung, people do not have to live in Jakarta. There will be population dispersal,” said Dudy.
On the same occasion, the Director General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation, Allan Tandiono, added that the technical planning document for the electrification of the Tanah Abang–Rangkasbitung line is nearly complete.
“The technical planning is targeted to be completed in the first semester of this year,” said Allan.
In addition, the electrification of the Cikarang–Cikampek line will soon enter the planning stage and is targeted to be completed in the near future.
Regarding electricity needs, the Ministry of Transportation will collaborate with PLN to ensure adequate energy supply.
“We will work with PLN so that this electrification enhancement is also supported by adequate electricity supply,” said Dudy.
Although it is a priority, Dudy asked the public to be patient because the project requires significant funding and proper governance.
“Please be patient because this involves funds and governance, but hopefully we can carry it out soon,” Dudy stressed.