43 Years Abandoned, Padang-Pulau Aie Railroad Tracks Reactivated

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The railroad tracks from Padang Station to Pulau Aie Station in West Sumatra had been reactivated after not in use for 43 years. The Ministry of Transportation said the residents around that area very enthusiastic and happy with the reactivation of that station.

"From the local residents' reaction, most of them are happy and touched because the last they see train in this station is in the '70s," said the Head of Railways Engineering Office for West Sumatra Region, Ministry of Transportation, Suranto in an official explanation at Jakarta, Monday, March 09, 2020.

The reopening of the railroad track is a part of the reactivation project in West Sumatra. Previously, The Ministry of Transportation also have reopened railroad tracks in Pariaman Station to Nareh Station. And the next they will open railroad tracks from Padang Station to Bukittinggi Station.

According to the plan, Perintis Minangkabau Ekpress will serve the passengers from Minangkabau Airport Station to Padang Station and continue to Pulai Aie Station start on March 12, 2020. To grow public interest, the Ministry of Transportation will give a free ticket.

This free ticket is given within ten days from March 12 until March 22, 2020. Next start from March 23, 2020, the ticket price will return to normal which is Rp 5,000 to Padang Station. While a trip to Minangkabau Airport is Rp 10,000.

Moreover, Suranto said that the reopening of this railroad track will ease tourist to access from Minangkanau Airport to Mentawai Island, one of the favorite tourist destination. Because Pulau Aie Station is close to the harbour that has access to go to Mentawai Island.

Fajar Pebrianto | Galuh Kurnia Ramadhani (Intern Translator)