Padang — In preparation for the 2024 Lebaran (Angleb) transport season, Balai Teknik Perkeretaapian (BTP) Kelas II Padang is optimising its services by conducting a thorough ramp check on railway facilities and stations in West Sumatra ahead of the holiday and mudik (homecoming) period.

"As we approach the Lebaran holiday, BTP Padang always conducts ramp checks on railway facilities to assess their readiness and ensure their safety and operability for the 2024 Angleb," said Endang Setiawan, head of BTP Padang, in a recent statement.

This ramp check is a mandatory activity for BTP Padang as a technical implementation unit under the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA), Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenhub RI). The aim is to inspect the condition of the facilities that will be in operation during the 2024 Angleb, as passenger numbers are expected to increase significantly during this period.

"We are collecting maintenance and inspection data to assess the level of maintenance carried out by the facility operator in West Sumatra, PT KAI (Persero) Divre II Sumbar. Then we conduct direct inspections of the facilities according to the specific standards and safety regulations that are marked with the 2024 Lebaran Transportation stickers," Setiawan explained.

In addition to checking the readiness of railway facilities, BTP Padang also inspects railway stations throughout West Sumatra. The various facilities at these stations must meet the Standard Pelayanan Minimum (SPM) - minimum service standards as outlined in the Minister of Transportation Regulation No. 63/2019, which pertains to passenger transportation by rail.

"In general, we check how well stations provide safety, comfort, reliability, accessibility, and overall security for all passengers and visitors," said Setiawan, who is commonly known as Ndang.

Furthermore, during the Angleb period as well as during the Christmas and New Year holidays, BTP Padang will also operate a monitoring post for the 2024 Lebaran Transportation to oversee train operations at stations and level crossings from 3 - 18 April 2024.

"We hope that the 2024 Angleb will run smoothly, with no significant disruptions, so that passengers and travelers returning to their hometowns can have a safe and enjoyable experience," he added.

(RAH)
Public Relations, Balai Teknik Perkeretaapian Padang