First Half of 2026, Manggarai Rolling Stock Workshop Completed Periodic Maintenance on 246 Railcars

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to strengthen rolling stock readiness through planned and multi-layered maintenance. Throughout the First Half of 2026, the Manggarai Rolling Stock Workshop (Balai Yasa Manggarai) completed two-year and four-year periodic maintenance, or P24/P48, on 246 railcars. This achievement reached 102% of the program target of 242 railcars.

Vice President Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba said that behind every railcar ready to serve customers is a long inspection process carried out by technicians with a high level of precision. Every component is inspected, measured, maintained, repaired, and tested before the rolling stock is declared ready to return to service.

“Customers may see a railcar only when it is already at the platform and ready for departure. At Balai Yasa Manggarai, the process of preparing the railcar begins with the initial inspection, component disassembly, maintenance of the car body and bogie, testing of the braking and electrical systems, and concludes with the final inspection. Every stage is aimed at maintaining the safety and comfort of the journey,” said Anne.

Balai Yasa Manggarai has a long history in Indonesia’s railway industry. The workshop complex began construction in 1915 and commenced operations in 1920 under the name Hoofd-Werkplaats Manggarai. During its early years, the workshop handled the manufacturing of spare parts as well as the inspection and repair of locomotives, passenger coaches, and freight wagons. Today, Balai Yasa Manggarai focuses on the maintenance and development of passenger coaches, dining cars, and power generator cars (gensets).

A rolling stock workshop has a different function from a depot. Daily inspections and short-term periodic maintenance are carried out at depots, while the rolling stock workshop handles long-term periodic maintenance, repairs requiring special facilities, rehabilitation, and rolling stock modifications.

During the two-year and four-year maintenance cycles, railcars undergo comprehensive inspections based on the respective maintenance intervals. The car body and bogie are separated to allow technicians to examine the structure, wheelsets, braking system, suspension, electrical system, doors, interior, and supporting travel facilities in greater detail.

“Periodic maintenance serves to keep rolling stock in accordance with technical standards. Components that still meet the requirements are maintained and tested, while those that have reached their service limits are repaired or replaced. After all work is completed, the railcar undergoes a quality inspection before returning to operation,” Anne explained.

In addition to railcar maintenance, Balai Yasa Manggarai completed medium overhaul (MO) and general overhaul (GO) maintenance on 26 generator sets out of a program target of 29 units, equivalent to 89.6%. Generator sets on power generator cars function to supply electricity for air conditioning, lighting, and various onboard service facilities during the journey. Completion of the remaining program will continue in the Second Half of 2026, adjusted to the arrival schedule of rolling stock requiring maintenance.

Balai Yasa Manggarai also handled 302 repair works on railcars and generator sets during the First Half of 2026. This figure is equivalent to 127% of the achievement during the same period last year, representing growth of approximately 27%. As many as 67% of the repair works were related to wheel reprofiling and wheel replacement.

Wheel reprofiling is carried out to restore the wheel surface profile to the required measurement standards. During operations, continuous contact between wheels and rails can alter the wheel profile. Through precise measurement and reprofiling, the wheel shape is restored according to specifications to ensure stable wheel-rail interaction and support passenger comfort.
The performance of Balai Yasa Manggarai is also reflected in the completion of modifications to six People's Economy Coaches (Kereta Ekonomi Kerakyatan), representing 100% of the First Half of 2026 program. Five coaches were completed to support the 2026 Eid Transportation period, while the sixth coach was completed in May 2026.

The People's Economy Coach is the result of upgrading economy-class coaches with improved interior arrangements and more comfortable seating. Each coach is equipped with 93 seats in a 3–2 configuration, featuring seats that can be adjusted to face the direction of travel. Its presence expands the availability of comfortable yet affordable railway services for the public.
During the same period, Balai Yasa Manggarai completed the installation of 650 kVA generator sets on four power generator cars to support the 2026 Eid Transportation period. The 500 kVA generator set adjustment program has also reached 90% completion, while the modernization of 30 executive-class coaches continues in stages.

From a governance perspective, Balai Yasa Manggarai achieved a work budget absorption rate of 86.6%. Three out of four investment programs for 2026 are currently in progress, with overall progress reaching 35.2%. These programs are aimed at increasing facility capacity, improving maintenance quality, and strengthening internal capabilities in rolling stock development.
The historical legacy of Balai Yasa Manggarai is also preserved through the existence of the water tower that once supported the workshop’s operational needs. The Balai Yasa Manggarai Water Tower has been designated as a cultural heritage building through Governor of DKI Jakarta Decree Number 403 of 2025. This designation reflects the site's important role in the history of Indonesia’s railway technology and industry.

“Balai Yasa Manggarai brings together more than a century of experience with continuously evolving technical competence. KAI will continue to enhance its facilities, the capabilities of its maintenance personnel, the implementation of technology, and quality control to ensure that every piece of rolling stock returning to service is reliable, safe, and comfortable,” Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI