Padang — The Padang Class II Railway Technical Centre (BTP Padang) has responded to a request from the local community to open a level crossing at KM 58+220, between Stasiun Sicincin and Kayutanam. In the interest of improving safety at the level crossing, BTP Padang remains firm in its decision to close the crossing.

Following a site visit on 19 March 2024 with the Dinas Perhubungan (Department of Transportation) of Padang Pariaman Regency, it was decided to reconsider the request to reopen the crossing. This decision was made because the location in question is an unregistered crossing with no designated crossing guards.

"As of now, accidents involving trains and other vehicles are still frequent. Every month, there are incidents at level crossings, often due to the public's lack of awareness when crossing," said Endang Setiawan, head of BTP Padang, in a statement.

He stressed that such incidents must be avoided and that reopening the crossing would be risky as public awareness of the need to be careful at level crossings remains low.

"The train that uses this line is the Kereta Api Lembah Anai. Although it operates on a fixed schedule, we can never predict when unexpected events will cause delays, especially when a Kereta Luar Biasa (special train) passes through. Without a crossing guard, this could increase the risk of accidents as the public may not be aware of these changes," Endang Setiawan added.

For reference, PT KAI (Persero) Divre II Sumbar previously closed this level crossing but later reopened it at the request of local residents who found the alternative route to be about 3.3 kilometers longer.

(RAH)