Bengawan Train
Bengawan coming with the local name, often called Sepur Bengawan is an economy class train presented by PT KAI for the region of Java Island. It’s under the management of Operational Zone of VI Yogyakarta and takes a route mainly from Surakarta/Solo to Jakarta. The railroad car pulls out from Purwosari Station (Solo) and pulls into the last stop at Pasar Senen Station (Jakarta). The long-distance train frequently departs and arrives once a day (round-trip way).
Within 570 kilometers, Bengawan train filled with passengers can run with an average speed of 70 to 90 kilometers per hour for about 9.5 hours, taking a stop at 12 railway stations. The Bengawan’s stopover include Klaten Station, Lempuyangan Station, Wates Statio, Kutoarjo Station, Kebumen Station, Gombong Station, Kroya Station, Purwokerto Station, Ciledug Station, Cirebon Station, Prujakan Station, Bekasi Station, and Jatinegara Station.
Bengawan train daily departs from Purwosari Station at 2:30 pm and arrives in Pasar Senen Station at 00:28 am. Meanwhile, Jakarta’s departure is usually scheduled at 11:20 am from Pasar Senen Station and arrives in Purwoasri Station at 8:40 pm. According to the departure schedule, the car leaves earliest of all among the economy-class series. Although it serves a long-distance trip, the fare is incredibly affordable – every single passenger is only charged 74,000 IDR.
As a long-distance and economy class train, the Bengawan applies air-conditioned passenger cars equipped with a toilet service. There are 106 seats with a 3-2 setting (3 on the right side and two on the left side of each coach). In addition to the seating system, there is no divider separating the people. The seats can be adjusted face to face or backward. Other amenities such as electric sockets beneath the train window, pillow, and blanket with an additional charge is also provided. The meal service, having no difference from the executive class, is available both in the car and dining area.
Interesting Facts about Bengawan Train
Name Origin
Bengawan derives from the name of a river in Java called Bengawan Solo. It’s one of the longest streams in the island of Java dividing the city of Solo. Its upstream lies on Sewu mountains- Wonogiri and Ponorogo. In Javanese, Bengawan means "Great River."
The History
There is no exact information about when the Bengawan train began its operation. As a matter of fact, it originates from Senja Ekonomi Bengawan train. Back in the day, the railroad car once occupied another locomotive named Kedung Banteng taking a route from Kedung Banteng Station to Solo Jebres Station. Kedung Banteng Station in Sragen regency, Central Java itself is in truth, a railway depot in which the small class trains stop at. In early 2013, Bengawan train serves a longer route trip from Solo Jebres Station - Tanah Abang Station to Solo Jebres – Tanjung Priok Station (round-trip way). In February 2014, PT KAI departed it from Purwosari Station to Pasar Senen – also round-trip way. The latest track then becomes the operational route until now.
The Train Series
When it comes to the technical operation, Bengawan train adapts three types of locomotives i.e. CC201, CC203, and CC204. Within a series, it has at least eight passenger cars, a dining car, and a diesel locomotive for economy class. Surprisingly, the train connecting two cities can accommodate up to 1,484 people per day.
