Increasingly Reliable, Train Users in North Sumatra Will Soar Throughout 2025

The interest of the people of North Sumatra in switching to rail transportation continues to increase, as reflected in the growth of KAI Divre I North Sumatra customers which will jump to 8 percent throughout 2025. This positive trend confirms the position of trains as the backbone of mobility that is increasingly reliable, as well as proof that safe, comfortable, traffic-free and scheduled travel has now become a need for residents in this region.

“KAI Divre I North Sumatra recorded brilliant performance throughout 2025 with total users reaching 2,638,594 people, this figure grew by 8 percent compared to 2024 where customers served were 2,433,647 people,” said Plt. North Sumatra Division I Public Relations Manager Anwar Yuli Prastyo.

This increase in the number of passengers was triggered by the continuing economic growth and increased mobility in the North Sumatra railway operational area. As a means of mobility, trains are now playing an increasingly vital role as a logistics transportation bridge and driving the regional economy.

Medan Station emphasizes its position as the main magnet for community movement in North Sumatra with the highest passenger volume, followed by Kisaran Station and Tanjung Balai Station as favorite departure points. KAI Divre I North Sumatra noted this increase in travel trends as evidence of public trust in trains which are now the busiest transportation artery in the region.

“As a pivot for inter-regional integration as well as an economic anchor for local MSMEs, train stations in North Sumatra are now being transformed into vital growth centers for the community. KAI presents trains as a transportation pioneer with the advantage of being on time and large transport capacity, making it the backbone of mobility that drives connectivity in North Sumatra,” explained Anwar.

KAI Divre I North Sumatra recorded significant passenger growth in 2025 through its three flagship trains. The Sribilah Utama train connecting Medan – Rantau Prapat PP was the favorite with the highest increase in passengers, reaching 19% or 701,728 people.

The positive trend was also followed by the Siantar Express Train on the Medan – Siantar PP route which grew 13% by serving 500,508 passengers. Meanwhile, the Putri Deli train bound for Medan – Tanjungbalai PP remains the busiest route with a total of 1,291,015 passengers, up 6% compared to the previous year.

Modernization of train services in North Sumatra is bearing fruit. The high level of public interest proves that economical, integrated, safe and timely services are now the main choice. Moving places is now much more efficient, making trains increasingly loved as the lifeblood of North Sumatra’s transportation.

“Inclusive train services are proof of KAI Divre I North Sumatra’s dedication in transforming public mobility. Through the integration of safety and comfort aspects, we strive to empower the economy of communities in all corners of North Sumatra. This is our concrete support for a dynamic community to continue to move forward and be productive,” concluded Anwar.

This press release has also appeared on VRITIMES