Facing Changing Weather, KAI Maintains More Than 20,000 Railway Sleepers in 2026

Changing weather conditions require railway infrastructure to remain prepared to support safe and reliable train operations. Heavy rainfall can affect the environment surrounding railway tracks, making infrastructure inspections and maintenance essential to maintaining smooth operations.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the onset of the 2026/2027 rainy season will be delayed in several parts of Indonesia. With weather conditions varying across regions, railway preparedness needs to take into account the characteristics of each route and its surrounding environment.

Throughout 2026, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has carried out maintenance on 20,581 railway sleepers, consisting of 17,025 concrete sleepers and 3,556 synthetic sleepers. Sleepers help maintain track alignment and transfer train loads to the underlying structure.

Maintenance covers not only sleepers but also rails, switches, bridges, and drainage systems. These components are inspected based on field conditions to support track stability and anticipate potential operational disruptions.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that infrastructure maintenance is carried out according to plan, taking into account track conditions and maintenance requirements in each region. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to keep infrastructure in line with operational standards.

In addition to concrete sleepers, KAI also uses synthetic sleepers made from Fiber Reinforced Foamed Urethane for certain structures, including steel bridges. This material is resistant to environmental conditions and may have a longer technical service life than wooden sleepers, making it an alternative for infrastructure maintenance.

From 2022 to 2026, a total of 68,501 synthetic sleepers were procured. Their use also supports efforts to reduce the need to replace wooden sleepers in suitable structures.

Preparing railway tracks for changing weather also requires attention to soil conditions, slopes, and drainage systems around the tracks. Inspections and follow-up measures are carried out based on actual field conditions so that potential disruptions can be identified and addressed as needed.

KAI continues to monitor inspection results and maintenance requirements along each route as part of its efforts to maintain infrastructure quality. Passengers are also encouraged to follow travel updates through official channels and comply with staff instructions if operational adjustments occur.

Through planned maintenance and the use of suitable materials, KAI continues to maintain infrastructure quality to support safe and reliable train journeys in various weather conditions.