Bima (train)

The Bima train (Kereta Api Bima) is an executive class train service with sleeper carriages that is operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) in Java with the service running between Gambir Station (GMR) - Surabaya Gubeng Station (SGU) and vice versa. The train covers 820 kilometres (510 mi) in 10 hours 35 minutes. Bima was initially an acronym for "Biru Malam" (lit. Night Blue).

Uniquely, this train is not through the northern route, but through the southern route, because to increase the occupancy of passengers who take the train route Jakarta-Surabaya through the southern route.

Although the Satwa class, KA Bima is an Argo class Executive train and uses the Argo train, in this case is the ex-Argo Bromo train. This train is the first AC executive train and the oldest train that still operates in Indonesia.

History
The service was opened on 1 June 1967, succeeding Bintang Fadjar and Bintang Sendja trains, which passes station. A few weeks later, Bima train was rerouted via and, and added with East German-made blue sleeper trains. In the 1980s, PJKA (now KAI) scrapped those sleeper trains and replaced it with executive-class carriages from Romania. The removal of the sleeper carriages of Bima train was due to its uncomfortable non-reclinable seats, making it as PJKA's worst executive train service.

On 6 February 2014, the route was extended to Malang station, but it was reverted on 1 September 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that caused passenger decrease.

On 10 October 2023, sleeper carriages on Bima train were added again and reinaugurated as Compartement Suites Class, which is also available on Argo Semeru [id].

Facilities
The Bima train consists of executive class and sleeper (compartment suites class) carriages. Executive-class carriages have 50 reclinable and rotatable seats in a 2+2 configuration.

Meanwhile, sleeper carriages consist of 16 reclinable sleeping seats (up to 180°) in individual private rooms. The carriage has a luxurious design with entertainment systems, smart toilets, and automatic doors.

Incidents

 * On 8 September 2015 at 05:20, Bima train collied with a pick-up truck in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, Jakarta. The collision disrupt KRL Commuterline and other inter-city train schedules.
 * On 10 November 2015, a woman and her child were killed by Bima train on a level-crossing in Kramatjegu Taman, Sidoarjo.