Heaptalk, Jakarta — During the period from January to August 2024, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) recorded a 7% growth in freight transport performance.
“During this period, KAI transported 45.05 million tons of goods, up from 42.07 million tons in the same period last year. This growth in freight transport was supported by increased trip frequency, expanded routes, and additional coal wagons in each train set. The growth was driven by higher demand for rail freight services,” said Anne Purba, KAI’s VP of Public Relations, on Monday (09/09).
The growth in freight transport came in response to growing customer demand for goods transportation by train. Anne explained that this led to more trips, expanded routes, and the addition of special coal wagons. Coal remained the dominant commodity, accounting for a total of 36.08 million tons, equivalent to around 80% of KAI’s total freight.
Most of the coal transport is centered in southern Sumatra, supporting the nation’s energy supply needs. Additionally, almost all other commodities showed positive growth, with increases ranging from 5% to 71%. These commodities include containers, cement, fuel, palm oil (CPO), fertilizer, and retail goods. Freight punctuality performance also improved.
In the first half of 2024, the on-time departure rate for freight trains reached 94.04%, up from 92.31% in the first half of 2023. The on-time arrival rate also improved to 89.67%, from 86.88% in the same period the previous year. Anne emphasized that one of the advantages of rail freight is its large carrying capacity.
A single train wagon can hold up to 50 tons of goods, which is equivalent to two container trucks. In southern Sumatra, a coal train can haul up to 61 wagons or 3,000 tons of coal. “If trucks were used, it would take about 120 trucks to carry the same amount. Anne added that using trains helps reduce logistics costs, traffic congestion, pollution, and road damage,” Anne concluded.
