KAI Closes Down 19 Illegal Railroad Crossings in West Java

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian railways' company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) of the Bandung Operational Area II closed 19 unregulated railroad crossings in West Java during the January-June 2024 period. 

In detail, KAI closed down 6 locations in Garut, 7 in Cianjur, 4 in Ciamis, 1 in Bandung Regency, and 1 in Purwakarta. KAI collaborates with the Directorate General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation, the local government, and several other stakeholders.

The Public Relations Manager of PT KAI Bandung Operational Area II Ayep Hanapi said the closure of the illegal crossing was conducted to prevent railway accidents. There are at least 14 cases of accidents that occurred at railroad crossings from January to June this year.

Local governments are authorized to close down illegal railroad crossings under Article 94 of Railways Law No. 23 of 2007. Before closing down the crossing, Ayep said his side already informed local residents who regularly pass the railroad crossings. 

"We urge people who live around the railroad tracks to avoid making illegal crossings that could endanger the train trips and those who cross the tracks. KAI continues to inform local residents to stay orderly while on the roads and help maintain railway safety,”  Ayep said in a statement on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

KAI Bandung Operational Area II noted 420 railroad crossings within its working area, consisting of 357 level crossings and 63 grade-separated crossings. Additionally, only 132 level crossings are guarded by KAI, local government, or independently by residents. Grade-separated crossings consist of 39 flyovers and 24 underpasses.

AHMAD FIKRI

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