Padang-Three train stations in Padang City officially operated on Thursday, 16 March 2023 after the revitalization process carried out by the Class II Padang Railway Engineering Center (BTP) in 2022. The three stations are Alai, Air Tawar and Lubuk Buaya Stations.

 Head of BTP Padang Supandi said that after the revitalization, the conditions of the three stations became better and met the minimum service standards (SPM). Among other things, the availability of ticket purchase points, security, toilets, and mushalla.

 "With a length of about 100 meters, the platform is also of high quality." "The length of the train can be increased to increase transport capacity," said Supandi at the inauguration and operation of the three stations on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Previously, BTP Padang had revitalized Pauh Lima Station and Kampung Juar Station in 2023 to improve railway infrastructure. Aside from that, work was done to improve the Padang-Bukit Putus-Pauh Lima line and various other safety facilities.

"I expect that by improving services at these three small stations (shelters), people will be more interested in using trains," he added.

In addition to that, Supandi stated that other railway infrastructure has been improved and developed, such as the replacement of rails to R 54 and the construction of radio train dispatching.

"BTP Padang is a pilot project for comprehensively handling level crossings, particularly for railroad safety infrastructure." Supandi explained that "among other things, by building inspection / frontage roads, installing rail stakes, ornamental fences, building JPOs, JPL crossing doors, early warning systems (EWS), and also using Concrete Level Crossing at railroad crossings that have previously used asphalt."

Still in the context of improving railway safety, BTP Padang has closed 261 illegal crossings between Padang and Pariaman, which have frequently resulted in railroad crossing accidents.

According to him, the Minister of Transportation's direction of improving railway infrastructure must be supported by the availability of other modes of transportation. So that there is integration to help the community to maintain mobility.

"It is hoped that with this convenience, people will be more willing to use public transportation modes such as trains and other land transportation, thereby reducing density and congestion on roads in Padang City and its surroundings," Supandi hoped.

Padang Mayor Hendri Septa, who inaugurated the three stations on the same day, expressed his full support for the existence of the train line in his government area, namely Padang City.

"The municipal government will construct public transportation routes leading to Padang stations," he said.

He also stated that he would request to have the Padang City Transportation Agency make a stop at the station. "Later on, the route will be passed by Trans Padang and other city transportation, which will make it easier for the community," he explained.

BTP Padang Public Relations (SPN/HH)