MTI Urges Government to Accelerate Separation of Bekasi-Cikarang Railway Lines

Djoko Setijowarno, an Advisory Board Member of the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), is urging the rapid implementation of double-double tracks (DDT) between Electric Rail Trains (KRL) and Long-Distance Trains (KAJJ) on the Bekasi-Cikarang route. This crucial measure is intended to significantly enhance train travel safety across the corridor.

According to Djoko, the distinct operational characteristics of KRL commuter lines and inter-city trains make it fundamentally impractical and unsafe for them to continue sharing the same tracks. Their differing speeds, stopping patterns, and schedules inherently create operational inefficiencies and elevated risks.

“The operational separation of these lines must be a priority. KRL and inter-city trains possess fundamentally different characteristics. The completion of the Double-Double Track project from Jakarta to Cikarang is not merely essential for boosting train capacity but, more critically, for ensuring safety,” Djoko emphasized to kumparan on Tuesday, April 28.

Djoko highlighted that without this vital track separation, the potential for disruptions and accidents would remain alarmingly high, especially along heavily trafficked segments like the Bekasi-Cikarang route. The sheer volume of daily train movements along this critical corridor exacerbates these inherent risks.

Currently, track separation has only been partially realized along certain sections. Specifically, the segment from Bekasi to Cikarang still sees both KRL and KAJJ services operating on shared lines. While this arrangement is deemed manageable for now, it comes with considerable drawbacks concerning track capacity and the complexity of operational scheduling.

He further elaborated, “The consequence is a reduction in available rail capacity, necessitating frequent revisions to train travel schedules.” This directly implies that to maintain safety, PT KAI, the Indonesian Railway Company, is often forced to limit travel density, which in turn impacts the scope and availability of their services.

Beyond track separation, Djoko also called for the expedited elimination of level crossings on densely populated routes. These crossings are significant bottlenecks, known to cause both severe traffic congestion and a high risk of accidents involving road users and trains.

He stressed that this is crucial for ensuring that the spatial planning around railway lines remains undisturbed by uncontrolled public activities, which can compromise the operational integrity of the rail network.

“Spatial planning along railway lines must be rigorously enforced. Uncontrolled public activities, unauthorized access points, and lax enforcement of zoning regulations can all become serious sources of disruption to train operations,” Djoko asserted.

He concluded his remarks with a powerful statement: “Transportation safety is a long-term investment, not merely a cost burden.”

In a related development, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) previously announced its intention to prioritize the construction of the Bekasi-Cikarang DDT line. This decision followed a collision involving the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a KRL Commuter Line at Bekasi Timur Station, underscoring the urgency of the project.

Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, affirmed that the acceleration of this critical project is an integral part of their comprehensive evaluation stemming from the recent accident.

Dudy explicitly stated, “Certainly, it is part of our evaluation for the double-double track project.” He added that the development of the DDT would also be integrated with a broader electrification program for tracks extending to Cikampek. This initiative aims to significantly improve overall service quality, particularly for KRL services, offering a more efficient and reliable commute for passengers.