From Pulubrayan Rolling Stock Workshop, KAI Ready to Strengthen North Sumatra–Aceh Connectivity

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to strengthen the services currently operating in Regional Division I North Sumatra as well as the rolling stock maintenance capability at Balai Yasa Pulubrayan, Medan. This strengthening is necessary to maintain existing public services while also preparing data and technical support for the study on the development of North Sumatra–Aceh railway connectivity.

The connectivity development still requires a comprehensive study and a government decision. The study needs to consider public travel demand, economic potential, safety, infrastructure readiness, operational patterns, spatial planning, environmental and social impacts, financing, as well as its integration with the existing railway network.

Vice President Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba said that KAI is ready to support the process in accordance with the authority and assignment given by the government.

“The North Sumatra–Aceh connectivity is still under study. KAI can provide support in the form of operational data, rolling stock requirements, service projections, and technical capabilities. While the process is underway, our priority is to ensure that the services currently used by the people of North Sumatra remain safe and reliable,” said Anne.

Currently, the Regional Division I North Sumatra area has 476.460 kilometers of active railway lines and 43 active stations spread across 13 regencies/cities. The network serves public transportation and freight distribution to various destinations, including Binjai, Tebing Tinggi, Pematangsiantar, Kisaran, Tanjungbalai, Rantauprapat, Belawan, Kuala Tanjung, and Kualanamu.

The existence of the active network provides initial data for understanding travel patterns, demand centers, operational requirements, and the potential for integration with ports, airports, industrial estates, plantation centers, and regional economic hubs.

Throughout the First Half of 2026, KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra served 1,391,120 customers, growing by approximately 5 percent compared to 1,328,372 customers in the First Half of 2025.

On a monthly basis, KAI served 233,133 customers in January, 200,042 in February, 265,081 in March, 221,254 in April, 235,824 in May, and 235,786 in June 2026.

Growth was recorded on several main routes. Sribilah Utama and Sribilah Fakultatif trains operating on the Medan–Rantauprapat round-trip route served 419,637 customers, an increase of 8 percent compared to 387,459 customers in the First Half of 2025.

The Putri Deli train operating on the Medan–Tanjungbalai round-trip route served 649,892 customers, growing by 2 percent compared to 639,839 customers. Meanwhile, the Siantar Ekspres train operating on the Medan–Pematangsiantar round-trip route served 272,759 customers, an increase of 9 percent compared to 251,088 customers.

These three services accounted for approximately 96.5 percent of the total customers of Regional Division I North Sumatra during the First Half of 2026. The data indicate strong travel demand between Medan and major activity centers along the eastern part of North Sumatra.

“Customer growth is important data in planning service capacity and operational patterns. Every network development plan must be prepared based on public needs, operational feasibility, and the economic and social benefits that can be generated,” said Anne.

Operational readiness in North Sumatra is supported by Balai Yasa Pulubrayan, which has carried out rolling stock maintenance functions since 1915. For more than a century, this facility has handled heavy maintenance of locomotives, passenger coaches, power generator cars, freight wagons, and special equipment.

During the First Half of 2026, Balai Yasa Pulubrayan completed heavy maintenance on five locomotives, 18 passenger coaches, 102 freight wagons, three power generator cars, and one special equipment unit. A total of 129 rolling stock units reached 100 percent of the First Half of 2026 maintenance program.

Maintenance is carried out based on 24-month, 36-month, 48-month, and 72-month cycles, depending on the type of rolling stock and its technical requirements. The work includes inspection and repair of engines, structures, braking systems, wheelsets, bogies, electrical systems, interiors, and functional testing before the rolling stock is returned to service.

Balai Yasa Pulubrayan also carried out the modification of two former preservation coaches into rescue coaches. The work included structural adjustments, electrical installation, partitions, ceilings, ventilation, and supporting equipment to assist in handling emergency situations on the railway line.

“Balai Yasa Pulubrayan maintains the availability of rolling stock for passenger and freight services in North Sumatra. This maintenance capacity needs to be maintained and gradually developed in line with operational requirements and government policy directions,” said Anne.

Rolling stock reliability also supported services during the school holiday period. During 20 June–5 July 2026, railway services in the Regional Division I North Sumatra area recorded 141,799 customers. Of that number, Medan Station served 49,403 departing customers and 51,374 arriving customers.

For the 30 percent transportation discount program in North Sumatra, the promotion was offered on the Sribilah Fakultatif train operating on the Medan–Rantauprapat round-trip route. During the school holiday period, the Sribilah Fakultatif train served 9,044 customers, and all customers on these services received the 30 percent discount.

“The utilization of the Sribilah Fakultatif promotion demonstrates strong travel demand between Medan and Rantauprapat. Service programs like this must continue to be supported by the readiness of rolling stock, personnel, stations, and effective train operations,” said Anne.

Nationally, the transportation discount program during the school holiday period was utilized by 1,303,191 customers, an increase of approximately 11 percent compared to 1,173,612 customers during the 2025 program period. Total KAI services during 20 June–5 July 2026 reached 3,451,031 customers, growing by approximately 4 percent compared to the previous period.

KAI will continue coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation, regional governments, and related stakeholders in providing data and technical input for the North Sumatra–Aceh connectivity study. There has been no decision regarding construction or an operational schedule, as all stages still depend on the results of the study and government policy.

“KAI continues to maintain reliable services in North Sumatra while preparing its technical capabilities to support government policy. If the study results lead to the development of connectivity to Aceh, KAI is ready to carry out its role in accordance with the authority and assignment given,” Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI