The station located to the east of West Flood Canal, and serves Rangkasbitung and Cikarang Loop lines of KRL Commuterline.

As commuters from these two satellite cities need to change train here before going to other places in Jakarta, these two stations tend to be crowded especially in rush hour.

[9] The history of Tanah Abang station was date back from 1899 railway line Jakarta–Anyer Kidul.

The first segment, Jakarta–Tanah Abang–Rangkasbetung (currently Rangkasbitung) was opened on 1 October 1899 according to State Railway Company of the Dutch East Indies' 1921, 1925 and 1932 Annual Report.

This new building was made to accommodate KRL Commuterline passengers, which at that time were already operating on the Tanah Abang–Serpong route.

[3] In late December 2022, the Ministry of Transportation revealed the plan for Tanah Abang Station extension.

[7][10] After the depot demolition completed, on 30 April 2023, the physical construction of the new station building was started marked with the groundbreaking ceremony attended by the Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Acting Governor of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono, and the President Director of Kereta Api Indonesia Didiek Hartantyo.

Over time, this station also continues to grow, with a new entrance and exit building located close to the Tanah Abang Locomotive Depot.