Padang — The Directorate General of Railways, Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Class II Railway Technical Office in Padang, has closed an illegal railway crossing at KM 23+900, Tabing-Duku.

This activity, conducted in collaboration with PT KAI (Persero) Division II West Sumatra, follows the letter from the Director of Railway Safety regarding the notification of closing level crossings across the entire area of the Railway Technical Offices under the DJKA.

"This action is being taken to improve railway safety as a means of mitigating train hazards, including the potential emergence of other illegal level crossings or crossings less than 2 meters wide. It is also for the public's safety," said Hendrialdi, Head of the Railway Technical Office (BTP) Padang, in a statement.

Illegal crossings, often opened by the public, frequently lack proper signage or safety facilities, increasing the risk of accidents involving trains, whether pedestrians or vehicles.

"By closing this crossing, we hope that pedestrians and vehicle drivers will adhere to traffic regulations by using official level crossings, ensuring safety and order. This way, railway safety will be ensured," he added.This way, railway safety will be ensured," he added.

The Head of the Railway Technical Office also mentioned that train accidents frequently occur at unguarded illegal crossings. Closing these crossings is expected to reduce the number of accidents at level crossings.

"We hope that no one will open crossings for personal interests without considering the safety of both the train and other people. Awareness of obeying the rules and understanding the dangers or risks involved is the most important thing," he concluded.

Public Relations of the Padang Railway Technical Office