KAI's Coal Transportation Hits Highest Monthly Record in 2026, Reaching 5.13 Million Tons in July
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded coal transportation volume of 5,127,674 tons in July 2026, marking the highest monthly achievement so far this year. The volume increased by 6.05 percent compared with 4,835,202 tons in July 2025.
Throughout January–July 2026, KAI transported 31,661,769 tons of coal. This achievement demonstrates the significant role of rail transportation in supporting the distribution of large volumes of energy commodities, particularly in southern Sumatra.
Vice President Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba said that the increase in volume was supported by the gradual strengthening of service capacity, including the readiness of locomotives and wagons, infrastructure, terminals, operational patterns, maintenance facilities, and human resources.
“The achievement of 5.13 million tons in July shows that KAI's logistics service capacity continues to grow. Our focus is to ensure that commodities can be transported in large volumes safely, according to schedule, and consistently, supporting customer needs and national economic activities,” said Anne.
Coal transportation plays an important role as it is closely related to energy needs and industrial activities. Smooth distribution is essential to ensure that commodities can be transported from production areas to receiving points according to demand.
In this service, trains offer an advantage because they can carry large volumes of cargo in a single train formation. Scheduled operations also help make the distribution of goods more organized and efficient.
Therefore, increasing transportation volume needs to be accompanied by improved readiness across all operational support areas. KAI continues to strengthen route capacity, rolling stock availability, loading and unloading facilities, maintenance, and train operations to ensure that transportation growth continues safely and reliably.
This strengthening continues in southern Sumatra. KAI has completed the delivery of 54 CC205 locomotives from Progress Rail, which are being prepared to strengthen operations in Regional Division III Palembang. The locomotives were delivered in stages from August 2025 to May 2026.
The addition of these locomotives strengthens KAI's readiness to serve freight transportation in areas with high logistics demand. Rolling stock readiness is also important to maintain smooth journeys, service times, and operational continuity over the long term.
Together with PT INKA, KAI is also procuring 1,125 flat wagons to support logistics distribution in South Sumatra. The strengthening of rolling stock is being carried out in line with the development of customer needs and the readiness of supporting infrastructure.
“Capacity enhancement must be carried out comprehensively. Locomotives, wagons, tracks, terminals, maintenance, and operational schedules must all be ready. This approach ensures that volume growth is accompanied by safe and reliable services,” said Anne.
In terms of benefits, rail-based freight transportation helps move large volumes of commodities more efficiently. The use of trains also helps reduce the need for heavy vehicle trips on roads to transport the same volume of goods.
The benefits are also felt throughout operational activities. Freight transportation services involve train crews, operational personnel, technicians, terminal workers, suppliers, and various supporting businesses. These activities create economic opportunities for many parties involved in the service chain.
Downstream, smooth coal distribution also supports power generation and industrial activities. When the supply chain operates more efficiently, production activities and economic activities can run more effectively.
For KAI, the growth of freight transportation is an important part of strengthening the role of railways in the national logistics system. KAI will continue to increase capacity, rolling stock productivity, and cooperation with customers and stakeholders to build stronger and more sustainable logistics services.
“The stronger the logistics services, the greater the benefits that can be delivered to the energy and industrial sectors, workers, and communities. KAI aims to continue expanding the role of railways in supporting smooth distribution and Indonesia's economic growth,” concluded Anne.
VP Corporate Communication KAI