KAI to transport 18m tons of PTBA coal this year
Tuesday, August 26 2014 - 01:59 AM WIB
Despite weak commodity price, state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) said coal transport business remains bright, pointing out that the company has obtained a contract from IDX-listed coal giant PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) to transport 18 million tons of coal this year, an 80 percent jump from 10 million tons last year.
Kontan quoted on Tuesday PTKAI Finance Director Kurniadi Atmosasmito as saying that the rising coal transport business provides optimism for the company which has decided to purchase 600 units of new railcars.
In addition, PTKAI would also develop a double-track coal railway in Sumatra. Under the plan, the Tanjung Enim Baru-Tarahan route will be dedicated to serve for the transport of PTBA coal, while the Tanjung Enim Baru-Simpang-Kertapati will serve coal transport of other miners. (*)