Barapati Switching Train Boosts Operational Efficiency, Optimizing Coal Distribution in South Sumatra

Coal distribution in South Sumatra is now moving faster and more efficiently. Since 8 July 2026, KAI has officially operated the Barapati Switching Train on the Tanjung Enim Baru–Kertapati round-trip route, marking a new step to increase transportation capacity while ensuring the smooth distribution of coal owned by PT Bukit Asam Tbk.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said the service was introduced to carry larger volumes of cargo in a single trip, allowing coal transportation to become more productive and efficient.

With a much larger carrying capacity in one trainset, operations become more optimal and coal distribution from Tanjung Enim can be managed more consistently.

In its initial operational phase, the Barapati Switching Train uses 55 BM 54 flat wagons hauled by one CC205 locomotive. This is significantly larger than the regular Barapati service, which typically operates with around 32–33 wagons.

Each BM 54 wagon is designed to carry up to 54 tons of cargo. A full trainset consisting of 60 wagons can transport approximately 3,000 tons of coal in a single journey.

This large-scale capacity enables cargo consolidation on a much bigger scale while optimizing the use of locomotives, wagons, railway tracks, and operating time. The more cargo transported in one trip, the more efficient the utilization of assets and schedules becomes.

Despite the increased capacity, safety remains the top priority. Operations are carried out by carefully considering track capability, braking systems, trainset strength, locomotive readiness, and railway safety standards.

In the long term, the Barapati Switching Train is planned to operate on the Tanjung Enim Baru–Kramasan round-trip route. However, while the Train Unloading Station (TUS) in Kramasan is still under completion, services are temporarily directed to Kertapati using alternative unloading facilities to ensure uninterrupted supply chains for customers.

The operation is also supported by the procurement of 1,125 BM 54 flat wagons. As of mid-July 2026, 1,080 units had arrived in Palembang to strengthen logistics services in the Southern Sumatra region.

The remaining 45 units are still at PT INKA’s facility in Banyuwangi and will be delivered gradually according to operational requirements. The additional fleet will support the formation of new trainsets and align with the readiness of partner unloading facilities.

Throughout the first half of 2026, KAI transported 26,534,095 tons of coal nationwide. This achievement highlights the strategic role of railways as a reliable logistics mode capable of handling large-scale commodity distribution through scheduled, efficient, and high-capacity operations.

Anne added that increasing train capacity not only improves operational productivity but also brings positive impacts to the national logistics system. Rail-based coal transportation enables more efficient cargo consolidation, maintains delivery punctuality, and helps reduce the movement of heavy freight vehicles on public roads.

The operation of the Barapati Switching Train and the addition of BM 54 flat wagons are important steps in strengthening KAI’s logistics productivity in South Sumatra. We continue to coordinate with all partners to ensure that capacity expansion goes hand in hand with the readiness of rolling stock, infrastructure, unloading facilities, and operational safety standards.