West Sumatra Governor Supports the Operation of CPO Trains

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi supports PT Kereta Api Indonesia’s (KAI) plan to operate trains for crude palm oil (CPO) transport. This train will carry CPO from Naras, Pariaman to Teluk Bayur Harbor.

“This CPO train will reduce truck traffic on the Pariaman-Padang-Teluk Bayur route. So it can reduce the density of vehicles that cause congestion,” he explained (05/06/2023).

According to Republika.co.id, Mahyeldi also said that operating this train would ease the burden on the highway. This makes the service life of the road longer and less damaged. Not only that, the budget for road maintenance can be diverted for development in other sectors.

“For freight transport, trains are indeed more efficient. Because they can carry more cargo and have certainty in terms of time,” he added.

Vice President of PT KAI (Persero) Regional Division II West Sumatra Sofan Hidayah also gave his comments. He said that KAI is targeting the operation of CPO transport trains by the end of this year.

“We ask for support from all parties. Especially the local government,” said Sofan.

He explained that PT KAI plans to operate 15 carriages with a capacity of around 30 tonnes per carriage. This capacity is equivalent to a maximum of 450 tonnes per transport.

This train will serve product transportation from Naras Station, Pariaman to Teluk Bayur Harbor. However, for the initial or trial phase, KAI will only activate five carriages.