Surakarta (29/11) The Central Java Region Railway Engineering Center (BTP Jabagteng), in collaboration with PT KAI Daop 6, train enthusiasts' community, and the media, convened at Purwosari Station for the Socialization of the Batara Kresna Pioneer Train. During the event, train enthusiasts and media representatives had the opportunity to gain insight into the Batara Kresna Pioneer Train. The Batara Kresna train has been a focal point for the Ministry of Transportation through BTP Jabagteng since 2015, aiming to establish pioneer train transportation services. The existence of Batara Kresna train ensures the continuity of rail transportation services and becomes an alternative mass public transportation for the community, especially in the Solo-Wonogiri crossing.

The operation of the Batara Kresna train is in compliance with the Decree of the Minister of Transportation No. Km 346 of 2020, which assigns PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) to organize pioneer railway transportation for the fiscal year 2022. In 2022, the Batara Kresna train achieved an occupancy rate of 44.33%, accommodating a total of 63,070 passengers. Currently, the train, with its three stations, covers the distance between Solo and Wonogiri (37 km) in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The train operates with a schedule of four trips per day, and the fare for a single trip is Rp 4,000. In order to improve services, BTP Jabagteng in 2023 plans to upgrade the railway line in the by replacing R.42 rails (partly R.33) with iron pads to R.54 concrete pads so that the operational speed of Batara Kresna train is more optimal.
With the planned infrastructure improvements, if the operational speed of the Batara Kresna train reaches 40-60 km/h, the travel time can be reduced by 30 minutes, from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. In September-October 2022, the Batara Kresna train underwent P48 maintenance, which is conducted every four years to ensure the reliability and optimal performance of the facility. The maintenance encompassed various components of the train, including the engine, traction motor, bogie, alternator, gear box, compressor, electrical panel, braking system, and painting. During this maintenance period, the dedicated teams from BTP Jabagteng diligently worked in the field to ensure that each component of the Batara Kresna train received meticulous attention and optimal maintenance.

The implementation of Batara Kresna pioneer train transportation is a form of the Government's presence in providing connectivity and public accessibility to mass public transportation. This pioneering train transportation is also expected to be able to help improve the regional economy, especially in Wonogiri, Sukoharjo, and Surakarta.