TULUNGAGUNG – Rail maintenance in Tulungagung has intensified in recent months. Authorities are focusing on track geometry to ensure safer and more reliable train operations. The move reflects stronger efforts to maintain precision along one of the region’s busiest rail corridors.
Tohari, spokesperson for KAI Daop 7 Madiun, said the maintenance drive over the past three months has centered on stabilizing rail geometry.
“We carry out geometry maintenance using the KPJR machine, along with rail grinding using MP 12. This is crucial to maintain the ideal rail profile and prevent extreme wear,” he said.
The use of modern machinery allows teams to restore alignment with high accuracy. It also helps maintain balance across the rail line. Proper geometry reduces vibration and improves ride quality. It also lowers the risk of long-term structural damage.
The work goes beyond the rail surface. Crews are reinforcing the underlying structure. They replace worn sleepers and upgrade aging rail components. Thermit welding is used to repair and connect rail joints. This method produces strong and uniform bonds.
“Material replacement, including sleepers and rails, is ongoing. Meanwhile, Thermit welding ensures stronger and more continuous rail connections,” Tohari added.
Maintenance efforts also target embankments supporting level crossings. At least 19 crossing points, from JPL 221 to JPL 255, are included in the routine cycle to maintain stable elevation under heavy train loads.
“We carry out embankment maintenance regularly to preserve track geometry, especially at crossings exposed to high dynamic pressure,” he explained.
In the final stage, teams complete finishing work such as repainting S.10K markings, refining rail profiles, and adding ballast. These steps help maintain safety standards while extending the lifespan of railway components.
KAI emphasized that consistent and precise maintenance remains key to ensuring the reliability of railway infrastructure in Tulungagung, keeping train journeys safe and efficient.