Indonesia’s PT KAI: New Progress Rail Locomotives Launched

Introduction

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) commenced operations of its new freight locomotives, manufactured by Progress Rail, on August 20. The locomotives began service from Panjang Port to Tanjungkarang station in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia.

Operational Launch

The launch of the freight locomotives, manufactured by Progress Rail, was attended by Heru Kuswanto, Director of Infrastructure and Facilities Management at PT KAI, and John Newman, CEO of Progress Rail. The locomotives are now fully operational following technical inspections.

Locomotive Capabilities and Impact

The freight locomotives are designed to haul coal, supporting the national energy supply. Each locomotive has a hauling capacity of 61 wagons, equivalent to approximately 3,050 tonnes. The deployment of these locomotives aims to modernize PT KAI’s logistics operations and replace hundreds of container lorries. The locomotives are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 84%.

Contract and Procurement Details

In February 2024, PT KAI signed a contract worth approximately USD 222.4 million with Progress Rail to procure the locomotives. The new locomotives join the fleet delivered to PT KAI since 2011. The high tractive effort capability of these AC propulsion locomotives offers operational savings and greenhouse gas reductions for operations on Sumatra Island.

Maintenance Agreements

In May 2024, Progress Rail and PT KAI signed a six-year service maintenance agreement for locomotives delivered in 2022 for transport in South Sumatra, Indonesia. This is the third such agreement between the two companies. The initial contract was signed in September 2013 and was later extended. Another six-year contract was signed in 2020, which included bogie overhauls and a major 12-year overhaul of the locomotives.

Conclusion

PT Kereta Api Indonesia has launched new freight locomotives manufactured by Progress Rail, which will be used for hauling coal and improving freight transport efficiency. The locomotives are expected to reduce emissions. PT KAI has signed agreements with Progress Rail for procurement and maintenance.

Company Summary

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI): PT KAI is a railway company. They signed a contract with Progress Rail for locomotives.

Progress Rail: Progress Rail manufactured the new freight locomotives for PT KAI. They also signed several service maintenance agreements with PT KAI.

Technology

AC propulsion: The new locomotives are AC propulsion locomotives.