Tuesday 8 September 2015

Indonesian Railway Update: Ex-Nambu Line Train

Test run of the ex-Nambu Line train, EMU 205 series (12-car), Jakarta, Indonesia
(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Following the ex-Yokohama Line trains, ex-Nambu Line trains arrived at Jakarta one after another. As you may know, the local railway operator, KRL Jabodetabek (Jakarta Metropolitan Area Commuter Electric Railway), is pursuing the modernization of the trains in the rapidly growing capital city of Indonesia. They have been importing air-conditioned secondhand EMUs from Japan since the 2000s.

On July 1st, the first batch of secondhand ex-Nambu Line trains, namely ex-JR East 205 series, arrived at Tanjung Priok, an outer port for Jakarta. After making up and adjusting the trains at Depok Depot, the test run was conducted on July 7th using set NaHa2 and set Naha44. Surprisingly, the test run train was composed of 12 cars, although the Nambu Line train was operated as a 6-car train in Japan. The improvement of city traffic conditions in Jakarta is in urgent need. The operation of long (12-car) trains is essential for commuters in Jakarta.

KRL Jabodetabek operates commuter trains in the Jakarta metropolitan area using an extensive railway network owned by Indonesian National Railways. The track is electrified single or double. The electric system is 1,500 V DC overhead. The gauge size is 1,067 mm. A major group of the trains are secondhand air-conditioned EMUs moved from JR East, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu and Toyo Rapid Railway.

I received the above news from an active Indonesian rail fan, Faris Fadhli, as always. Thanks, Faris-san.

 
Test run of the ex-Nambu Line train, EMU 205 series (12-car), Jakarta, Indonesia
(Photo: Faris Fadhli)