Garut (03/03) - Director General of Railways, Zulfikri, reviewed the limited trial activities of the Cibatu-Garut railway on Thursday (03/03). This review is carried out to ensure the readiness and fulfilment of the safety aspects of the Cibatu-Garut railway line before it can be operated.

One of the reviews in this trial activity was carried out on testing the stability of the structure through dynamic tests using passenger facilities. In addition, this activity is also used by the operator as a form of socialization with the public regarding the operation of the railway line, which has not been operating for nearly 40 (forty) years.

In betweenhis review activities, Zulfikri stated all his involved staff in the trial activity this time. "We must ensure the security and safety of the infrastructure along this route before it can be operated," he said.

A limited number of people followed this trial activity. One of the passengers who participated in this trial activity admitted that he had come all the way from Purwakarta. "We were very enthusiastic when we heard the news that this route would be activated, so we deliberately invited the family to come specifically to participate in the trial activity," said Hamdi (40).

Besides Hamdi, another passenger who also expressed his enthusiasm was Ratna (57). Ratna admitted that the Cibatu-Garut route has deep childhood memories, considering that she was born and raised in Garut.

"I still remember when I was in elementary school, taking the train to Cikajang only Rp. 400," recalled Ratna.

Both Hamdi and Ratna expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Transportation, PT KAI, the Garut Regency Government, and all parties involved in reactivating the Cibatu-Garut route so that it can be realized immediately.

The reactivation of the 19,063 km Cibatu - Garut cross is carried out in accordance with the spatial plan and development plan (RT/RWN, RIPN 2030) and is supported by the Decree of the Minister of Transportation Number KM 50 of 2020 concerning Assignment to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) for the Implementation Public Railway Infrastructure Cross Cibatu – Garut.

In order to encourage people to switch to using trains to Garut, the Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Railways, also provides support in the form of PSO subsidies. This PSO subsidy will later be able to reduce the price of train tickets for the Pasar Senen-Garut line so that it is more affordable in attracting public interest. (DA/HJA)