17 M1 Dining Cars Modified by Balai Yasa Tegal Enter Service, KAI Enhances Passenger Travel Comfort
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) continues to enhance the quality of its customer services through rolling stock improvements carried out by Balai Yasa Tegal. The overhaul facility plays a vital role in the maintenance, repair, and modification of KAI's rolling stock, including Executive Dining Cars (M1), which form an integral part of the onboard experience for long-distance passengers.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that the enhancement of the M1 Dining Cars is part of the company's commitment to delivering safer, more comfortable, and more memorable journeys. According to Anne, long-distance rail travel is increasingly defined by the overall customer experience—from boarding and seating comfort to cleanliness, onboard dining services, and the atmosphere throughout the journey.
"The M1 Dining Car plays an important role in long-distance travel. It provides passengers with a space to enjoy meals and beverages, take a short break, and experience a warmer and more enjoyable travel atmosphere. Therefore, improving the quality of our M1 Dining Cars remains one of KAI's priorities,"
According to KAI data, Balai Yasa Tegal has completed modifications on 17 M1 Dining Cars over the past two years, consisting of four units completed in 2024 and 13 units completed in 2025. All of these units have entered commercial service and are now supporting passenger operations across various train services.
In 2026, Balai Yasa Tegal is continuing work on an additional 10 M1 Dining Cars. These units are currently undergoing a series of technical processes, including rolling stock inspections, component refurbishment, interior enhancements, passenger facility upgrades, and comprehensive safety testing before entering service.
"Passengers are already experiencing the benefits of the 17 upgraded M1 Dining Cars that have been completed and put into operation. Meanwhile, the 10 units currently under modification in 2026 represent KAI's continued commitment to continuously improving its services," Anne added.
Most recently, the upgraded M1 Dining Car has also been introduced on the Sindang Marga Train operating on the Kertapati–Lubuklinggau route under KAI Regional Division III Palembang. The addition of this facility further enriches the onboard travel experience by providing passengers in South Sumatra with enhanced food and beverage services throughout their journey.
Anne explained that every M1 Dining Car modification is carried out with equal emphasis on technical excellence and passenger comfort. The work includes inspections of the underframe, bogies, braking systems, electrical systems, interior layout, lighting, and onboard facilities. Each completed dining car must undergo a comprehensive quality assurance process to ensure full compliance with KAI's operational and safety standards before being deployed.
From an interior perspective, the upgraded M1 Dining Cars feature a more comfortable and functional layout. The dining area has been redesigned to create a more organized space, allowing passengers to enjoy their meals more comfortably. Improved lighting, seating arrangements, and overall ambience contribute to a more pleasant onboard dining experience.
Beyond serving as a dining facility, the M1 Dining Car also functions as a social space onboard. During long-distance journeys, passengers frequently use the area to relax, socialize, enjoy the scenery, and experience a more welcoming travel atmosphere. This dedicated dining space has become one of the distinctive features that sets rail travel apart from other modes of transportation.
Anne added that the upgraded M1 Dining Cars also support KAI Services in delivering a wider range of food and beverage offerings to passengers. With a more organized and comfortable dining environment, onboard services can be delivered more efficiently while providing an enhanced customer experience in line with KAI's service standards.
Balai Yasa Tegal has a long-standing history in the maintenance and development of KAI's rolling stock. Behind every train that returns to service lies a meticulous technical process, the expertise of skilled personnel, and multiple layers of quality control to ensure that every vehicle meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and passenger comfort.
"KAI highly appreciates the dedication of the Balai Yasa Tegal team, who continue to maintain the quality of our rolling stock through their expertise and attention to detail. The enhancement of the M1 Dining Cars reflects KAI's ongoing commitment to delivering journeys that are safe, comfortable, and increasingly memorable for our passengers,"
Vice President Corporate Communication