Gajahwong Train
Gajahwong or better known as Sepur Gajahwong in Javanese is an economy class train presented by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero). It offers access from Yogyakarta to Jakarta. The air-conditioned railcar is operated in either Yogyakarta Lempuyangan Station or Jakarta’s Pasar Senen Station instead of Yogyakarta’ Tugu Station and Jakarta’s Gambir Station in which the executive one usually stops at.
The product of PT INKA is managed by the operational region of Yogyakarta 6. Taking a return trip, the train departs once a day. Gajahwong leaves from Lempuyangan Station in the early morning at 6:45 a.m. and spends 8 hours 43 minutes to reach Pasar Senen Station. Meanwhile, the evening train pulls out of Pasar Senen Station at 6 p.m. every day. It takes 8 hours and 15 minutes for this railcar to reach out Lempuyangan Station.
Gajahwong travels with an average speed of 60 to 100 km per hour. Along the way to both cities, this train makes a stop at 13 railway stations that include Tugu Yogyakarta Station, Wates Station, Kutoarjo Station, Kebumen Station, Gombong Station, Kroya Station, Purwokerto Station, Bumiayu Station, Ciledug Station, Cirebon Prujakan Station, Bekasi Station, and Jatinegara Station. The rail fares range from 115,000 IDR to 220,000 IDR per person. The price varies and is tailored to train subclass, route, reservation time, and departure schedule.
Gajahwong of PT KAI coming with an economy class service provides an exceptional coach comprising 80 leather seats. The elongated spot to sit with no bulkhead is designed for two people – unfortunately, the seating position for your back’s convenience can’t be adjusted. Additionally, facilities such as AC, toilet, and 2 electric sockets under the window are included. The food service is available both in the coach and dining car. The baggage can be put in either the overhead bin or the baggage car.
Interesting Information about Gajahwong Train
Name Origin
The name of Gajahwong originates from Kali Gajah Wong. Kali Gajah Wong is one of the rivers in the special region of Yogyakarta flowing throughout the eastern part of the province.
The Train History
The train of Gajahwong offered by PT KAI (Persero) began its operation on August 24th, 2011. The first release was inaugurated by the minister of transportation, Mr. Freddy Numberi, in Jakarta Kota Station. Back in the day, Gajahwong was the second economy class train which owned AC facility in Indonesia (after Bogowonto train).
Train Series
During its operation, Gajahwong applies four types of locomotives that include CC201, CC203, CC204, and CC206. Rumor says that the series often switches to Bogowonto train. In 2015, the train series was initially a livery product manufactured from 2010 to 2011, replacing the “ombak biru” (blue wave) livery, the epitome of economy class. The series is comprised of a locomotive, a baggage car, 9 passenger cars, and a dining car with a generator. With 9 coaches in a series, Gajahwong is capable of loading 700 people one way or 1400 people in a day.