Bangunkarta Train

Bangunkarta Train

Bangunkarta is an executive train within the operational region of VII Surabaya. The round-trip railroad car serves the Surabaya – Jakarta route and has important stops both at Surabaya Gubeng and Jakarta Gambir Station. Within 738 kilometers (a far distance spanning from Surabaya to Jakarta), it runs at an average speed of 90 to 120 kilometer per hour for about 12.5 hours one-way. Arguably, the vehicle connecting two cities takes a long time – it must pull out of numerous posts on each single trip and vice versa. There are 12 to 14 stops out of the total numbers that Bangunkarta train leaving from Surabaya Gubeng to Gambir via Madiun and Semarang must take. The foremost places to pull into include Mojokerto Station, Jombang Station, Kertosono Station, Nganjuk Station, Madiun Station, Paron Station, Solo Jebres Station, Semarang Tawang Station, Pekalongan Station, Pemalang Station, Tegal Station, Cirebon Station,  and Jatinegara Station. Bangunkarta is one of the rapid executive-class trains that having the highest level of occupancy. It is unbelievably able to carry up to 700 passengers daily. The fares range from 375,000 IDR to 470,000 IDR per person. For the closer distance, the Surabaya – Madiun route, for instance, the customer will be charged from 285,000 IDR to 355,000 IDR. The price does depend on the seat position or the type of class, as well as the ticket reservation and departure schedule. As an executive train, Bangunkarta provides main facilities that include air-conditioned coaches, TV LCD, and toilet. There are 50 seats with a 2-2 setting available in each space. The passengers can freely adjust their bench and rotate the position face to face or backward. Each spot to sit is equipped with an electric socket, folding table, and foot step. They can benefit the meal service and opt for a dining option listed on the menu. Additionally, the overhead luggage racks, exactly having a similar setting with the aircraft cabin, are to keep your essentials.

Interesting Facts about Bangunkarta Train

Name Origin

Back in the day, the fast train used to be called “Tebuireng." Why the name was given as it turned out that the Islamic scholars of Pondok Pesantren Tebuireng, East Java had been the pioneer riders since its first launching in 1985. Bangunkarta derives from the merging words from Java’s leading municipals. It stands for Surabaya, Jombang, Madiun, and Jakarta (cities that own the train’s track).

The History

Bangunkarta train has been operated since January 1986. It was initially named Tebuireng, serving an economy class trip from Jombang to Jakarta. In December 1994, PT KAI expanded its service by opening a business class. Tebuireng officially became a full business class railroad car on the following seven months. Meanwhile, the executive class was opened in early February 1999. Bangunkarta name has finally been given after delivering both economy and executive services since July 2001. On the 5th of December 2009, PT KAI transformed the Bangunkarta into a full executive class and was being tremendously remodeled by occupying the second-hand Gajayana’s car. The new round-trip route from Surabaya to Jakarta was launched in December 2013.

The Train Series

During today’s operation, Bangunkarta train is fascinatingly run by CC206 Locomotive. It comprises of a diesel locomotive (the prime mover), seven executiveexecutives passenger cars accommodating up to 350 people within a one-way trip, a dining car, and a baggage car.

The Train of Santri (Islamic Scholars)

Bangunkarta originating from Tebuireng used to have passengers dominated by the Santris or Islamic scholars. Its main purpose was to accommodate them when they made a journey to Jakarta or vice versa. The train still helps the people arrange a pilgrimage trip to the entire Java Island, visiting places like Surabaya, Jombang, Madiun, and Cirebon.