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W. Sumatra historic train routes to be revived
State railway company PT Kereta Api says it plans to revitalize all historic train routes in West Sumatra that connect the province with neighboring Riau
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tate railway company PT Kereta Api says it plans to revitalize all historic train routes in West Sumatra that connect the province with neighboring Riau.
The tracks were built during the Dutch colonial period and Japanese occupation but many have not been in use or are dilapidated.
“The route from Padang to Pekanbaru, Riau, running through Bukittinggi and Padangpanjang could potentially attract commuters. We will be pushing ahead to revamp the infrastructure,” PT Kereta Api director Yahya Ombara said during a press conference in Padang on Sunday.
The routes serving cities and towns in West Sumatra all the way to Riau were abandoned following Japan’s retreat from the region at the end of World War II. Many of the tracks now serve as dwellings though others still function to transport both passengers and freight.
Yahya said the revitalization project was part of the Trans Sumatra grand design.
The routes currently operating include the 53-kilometer stretch between Simpang Haru and Kota Pariaman, PT Semen Padang Indarung to Teluk Bayur Port (14 kilometers), Sawahlunto to Muara Kalaban (4 kilometers) and Padangpanjang to Sawahlunto (65 kilometers).
The railway company has finished work on the Padang-Padangpanjang line, but the route, which was initially scheduled to start this month, has been postponed to August because of recent flash floods that have damaged a bridge near the Anai valley.
“Our goal is to start up those routes that have not been in use for a while,” Yahya said, adding that the next priority would be the 19-kilometer Padangpanjang-Bukittinggi route.
From Bukittinggi, he added, the network would be expanded north to Payakumbuh and Limbanang, while the eastern network would be integrated into the Muara Kalaban-Pekanbaru.
“We will also renovate three historic stations in Pulau Air [Kota Padang], Sawahlunto, and Payakumbuh,” he said.
Yudith Harrianto, the head of PT Kereta Api’s West Sumatra office, said the company would start
operating a light locomotive within the next two years. The train will connect Pulau Air and Muara Padang to Minangkabau International Airport.
“There is a tender for the project at the Transportation Ministry,” he said.
A light locomotive with three coaches costs Rp 17.15 billion.
A shorter route from Indarung and Padang to Solok, by digging five to six tunnels through Bukit Barisan, has also been planned. When complete, it is expected to shorten the travel time between two destinations and from the province to Riau.
The routes serving cities and towns in West Sumatra all the way to Riau were abandoned following Japan’s retreat from the region at the end of World War II.
