BLITAR – PT Kereta Api Indonesia has closed an illegal railway crossing in Talun, Blitar, as part of a wider campaign to improve railway safety and reduce accident risks in East Java.

The crossing stood between Garum Station and Talun Station on the Blitar-Kediri railway route. Local residents often used the crossing even though it lacked official permits, safety gates, and railway guards. KAI classified the location as an illegal crossing because authorities never registered it as an official access point.

KAI Operational Area 7 Madiun carried out the closure on Monday at kilometer 110+010. The company has intensified efforts to shut down unauthorized crossings in recent months. Officials say illegal crossings continue to threaten both train operations and road users.

Tohari, spokesperson for Daop 7 Madiun, said the company took the action to improve public safety near railway tracks.

“Crossings without gates and guards create serious dangers,” Tohari said. “We want to reduce the risk of collisions involving trains and vehicles.”

KAI has gradually closed several illegal crossings across its operational area. Most of the locations lie along the railway corridor connecting Blitar and Kediri. The Talun crossing became the final illegal crossing identified in the Daop 7 Madiun region.

Despite the closure, KAI said residents can still access nearby alternative routes. Drivers of cars and other four-wheel vehicles can pass through the official JPL 168 crossing west of the location. Railway officers monitor that crossing, and safety barriers already operate there.

Motorcyclists can also use another nearby crossing at kilometer 110+222. According to KAI, the alternative routes sit only around 200 meters from the closed crossing.

The railway operator urged residents to remain alert when approaching train tracks. KAI asked motorists to stop before crossing, look in both directions, and make sure trains are not approaching.

Tohari also encouraged the public to avoid illegal crossings in the future. He said official crossings offer better protection because railway staff supervise traffic and operate warning systems.

KAI continues to strengthen safety measures across its railway network as train traffic increases in several parts of East Java. The company hopes the latest closure will help prevent fatal railway accidents and improve public awareness about railway safety.