PT KAI Regrets Re-dismantling Of The Railway Line Restriction Fence At Rangkasbitung Market

The safety fence for the train line near Rangkasbitung Market, Lebak Regency, Banten. (ANTARA)

The Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) regrets re-dismantling the railway line (KA) safety fence near Rangkasbitung Market, Lebak Regency, Banten.

The safety fence was previously built by DJKA together with the Lebak Regency Government and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) to close a level crossing on Jalan Hardiwinangun-Tirtayasa, Rangkasbitung, Lebak.

Director General of Railways Risal Wasal said that the closure was actually carried out to ensure the safety of residents crossing the railway line.

"Now our train is getting faster so that the risk of safety at level crossings is also getting higher, especially in very active areas such as Rangkasbitung Market," Risal said in his statement quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, August 13.

He explained that the closure of the level crossing was part of the development of Rangkasbitung Station to accommodate an increase in the number of passengers. As an alternative access for residents, he said, DJKA will later build a pedestrian bridge (JPO) at the location of the former crossing area.

"So that residents can still pass and are not isolated as feared," said Risal.

Nevertheless, he understands residents' concerns about the need for access to support the economic activities of residents and traders of Rangkasbitung Market.

Therefore, he said that DJKA would immediately hold a re-evaluation meeting with the Lebak Regency Government to find the best solution to this.

The closure of the level crossing with the registration code JPL 183 was carried out on July 31, 2023 using zinc material. After the closure, the Lebak Regency Government noted an increase in visitors to Rangkasbitung Market to more than 15,000 people per day from the previous 6,000 people per day.

In addition, the closure of level crossings also had a positive impact on the surrounding environment through regional arrangement so that the Rangkasbitung Market became cleaner and more comfortable.

In terms of train travel, DJKA said the closure of the level crossing had an impact on increasing users of train service services, considering that access to Rangkasbitung Station was also addressed.

To anticipate further rejection, Risal will involve relevant agencies to conduct intensive socialization and dialogue with residents regarding the closure of the level crossing.

"Maybe yesterday there were messages that had not been conveyed properly so that there was a misunderstanding from the residents, God willing, if our good intentions can be understood, residents will also accept or even support this plan," said Risal.