State-owned coal mining company, PT Bukit Asam Tbk (IDX: PTBA), has embarked on a transformative initiative with the initiation of a cutting-edge coal handling facility aimed at enhancing transport capacity along the Tanjung Enim – Keramasan railway line in South Sumatra.

The symbolic commencement of this groundbreaking project unfolded in Tanjung Enim on Saturday, December 30, 2023. This marked the initiation of a significant development that holds the promise of revolutionizing coal transportation infrastructure in the region.

The newly envisioned facility is poised to be a hub of technological sophistication, featuring two Train Loading Stations (TLS), each boasting an impressive capacity of 3,000 tons per hour. These loading stations are strategically equipped with rail loops, ensuring seamless operations. Complementing this are two Conveyor Systems, one spanning a length of 13 kilometers and the other stretching to 17 kilometers, both engineered with a formidable capacity of 3,000 tons per hour. To facilitate the logistics chain, the project also includes the construction of three Dump Hoppers, specially designed to accommodate dump trucks with capacities ranging from 60 tons to 100 tons.

Integral to this groundbreaking endeavor is a collaborative partnership between PT Bukit Asam Tbk and the state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI). This collaboration is strategically aimed at advancing the domain of coal transportation, specifically focusing on the route between Tanjung Enim and Keramasan. The roles within this partnership are clearly defined - PT KAI serves as the provider of the transportation infrastructure through the railway, while its subsidiary, PT Kereta Api Logistik (Kalog), shoulders the responsibility for overseeing the dock facilities situated in Keramasan.

A paramount objective of this monumental collaboration is the substantial augmentation of PT Bukit Asam Tbk's coal transport capacity. The implementation of the enhanced coal handling facility is anticipated to yield a remarkable increase, raising the capacity to an impressive 20 million tons per year. This projected surge in capacity signifies a significant stride forward for PT Bukit Asam Tbk, underscoring their commitment to advancing operational efficiency and meeting the escalating demands within the coal transportation sector.

The Tanjung Enim – Keramasan railway line serves as a critical artery for coal transport, linking key production areas to crucial distribution points. The significance of this strategic transportation route cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of coal resources from production hubs to vital distribution centers. The construction of the new coal handling facility aligns seamlessly with the overarching goal of optimizing this transportation corridor, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process for the coal supply chain.

The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies within the facility further exemplifies the commitment to operational excellence. The two Train Loading Stations, equipped with rail loops, are designed to handle substantial volumes of coal efficiently. The Conveyor Systems, with their extensive lengths and high capacities, underscore a dedication to seamless material handling. Additionally, the presence of Dump Hoppers tailored for different truck capacities adds a layer of versatility to the facility, accommodating various logistical requirements within the coal transportation network.