JAKARTA –After being inundated and cut off due to extreme rains that hit the Bekasi Regency and its surroundings, the railway line in a plot between Lemahabang Station - Kedunggedeh Station at Km 55 +100 to KM 54+500 began to be repaired because the water began to recede. "Alhamdulillah, today the team can start to make more maximum repairs because the water has started to recede." This was conveyed by the Director-General of Railways, Zulfikri, Monday afternoon (22/2).

As previously reported, this line cannot be passed by trains because some points are submerged in water. As a result, long-distance train journeys from Gambir Station and Pasar Senen Station on Sunday and Monday are still experiencing disruptions, resulting in changes to departures and cancellations.

“Yesterday the team could not work optimally because the water flow was so strong that it eroded the ballast and rail bearings. However, since yesterday afternoon until today, ballast and work tools have been mobilized so that they can now be done more quickly," Zulfikri continued.

Furthermore, Zulfikri emphasized that the team from the Directorate General of Railways, BTP Jakarta and Banten, as well as PT KAI DAOP 1 Jakarta had collaborated by going directly to the location, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders so that they could quickly handle this mess.

The flood that occurred on Sunday 20/1/2021 was caused by an increase in the flow of the Cibeet and Citarum rivers. There are about 8 points of hitch, with 6 long stretches spread over 600 m in the plot between Lemah Abang and Kedunggedeh Stations.

"Currently, the team is working hard so that the main train route to Java can recover soon," added Zulfikri.

Furthermore, Zulfikri appreciated PT KAI for quickly taking steps to handle both those related to passengers and handling in the field.
"I appreciate PT. KAI who has quickly conveyed the cancellation of several train trips and made changes to operating patterns. In addition, tickets can also be rescheduled or refunded." he insisted.

The Director General of Railways also urges the public to consider travel plans in these uncertain weather conditions. In addition, prospective passengers who have purchased tickets must always monitor train travel information on the official website of PT. KAI.
Present at the review were Director of Railway Infrastructure Heru Wisnu, Director of Infrastructure Management of PT. KAI Awan Hermawan and Head of the Jakarta and Banten Rode Regional Railway Engineering Center (spn/yf).