KAI Approved to Import Used Trains from Japan to Address Capacity Gap

The House of Representatives approved a plan allowing state-owned railway company KAI to import used trains from Japan to address a capacity gap on the Commuter Line network in Greater Jakarta. KAI plans to import seven 12-car trains and 16 eight-car trains, which are intended to operate for a decade as a temporary solution. This import plan was approved by House Commission VI overseeing state-owned enterprises.

KAI projected that passenger demand would increase faster than the domestic manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api could produce trains, leading to a cumulative shortage peaking at 45 trains in 2029. The imported used trains will serve as a bridging solution while the domestic railway industry works to expand its rolling stock manufacturing capacity.