Increase Service Quality, KAI Wins the 2021 Public Service Excellence Award

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has reduced the travel time of several train services starting from 24 September 2021. The trains with shorter travel times are Argo Bromo Anggrek (Gambir – Surabaya Pasar Turi round trip), Argo Wilis (Bandung – Surabaya Gubeng round trip), Argo Lawu (Gambir – Solo Balapan round trip), Argo Dwipangga (Gambir – Solo Balapan round trip), and Taksaka (Gambir – Yogyakarta round trip).

“The shorter train travel time is part of KAI’s effort to improve services for customers. Faster travel will further enhance public mobility while maintaining strict health protocols through railway transportation,” said KAI VP Public Relations Joni Martinus.

The reduction in travel time varies from 19 minutes to 70 minutes. With shorter journey times, customers can make better use of their time for other activities, making their trips more efficient.

The shorter travel time has been made possible through improvements to the railway infrastructure. This means that railway equipment such as locomotives and train cars can operate at higher speeds on the same tracks while continuing to prioritize operational safety.

These infrastructure improvements were achieved through a number of enhancement projects carried out by KAI and the Directorate General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation. First, the completion of the double-track railway on the southern Java route has eliminated train crossings, allowing trains to travel more efficiently.

Second, the existing railway infrastructure has been upgraded by improving track materials, including replacing sleepers, rails, and switches. Wooden and steel sleepers have been replaced with concrete sleepers. In addition, older rail types have been upgraded, with R.42 and R.50 rails replaced by R.54 rails, which support higher train speeds.

Third, KAI has optimized train speeds on curved track sections according to their design specifications. Improvements have been made to these curves so trains can safely operate at higher speeds.

Finally, KAI has also optimized operational patterns by adjusting train stopping times at stations. These infrastructure improvements have resulted in higher average operating speeds for train services.

The following are the improvements in train speeds on each route:

a. Gambir – Surabaya Pasar Turi Route (Round Trip)

• Average speed increased from 85 km/h to 88 km/h.
• Maximum speed reaches 120 km/h on the Cirebon – Comal and Semarang Tawang – Ngrombo sections.

b. Gambir – Solo Balapan Route (Round Trip)

• Average speed increased from 71.5 km/h to 81.5 km/h.
• Maximum speed reaches 120 km/h on the Cirebon – Prupuk and Kebasen – Yogyakarta sections.
   

c. Bandung – Surabaya Gubeng Route (Round Trip)

• Average speed increased from 66 km/h to 70 km/h.
• Maximum speed reaches 120 km/h on the Kroya – Yogyakarta and Solo Jebres – Mojokerto sections.

As several train services now have shorter travel times, Joni reminded customers to carefully check their travel schedules. Starting from 24 September 2021, several train services also have revised departure times.

KAI will continue improving railway services through various innovations. With the spirit of serving customers faster and better, KAI remains committed to delivering excellent service.

“We hope that with the reduced travel time on these train services, more people will choose trains as their preferred mode of transportation,” Joni concluded. (Public Relations KAI)