EMU-370 to hit 370 km/h in commercial service, with enhanced safety and ride comfort
The EMU-370 project to introduce Korea's fastest high-speed train has gotten off the ground.
Korea Railroad Corporation, known as Korail, said it held a project kickoff meeting for the next-generation high-speed train at Hyundai Rotem's Changwon factory Tuesday afternoon.
About 40 officials from Korail and train manufacturer Hyundai Rotem attended the meeting. Participants discussed the vehicle production schedule and manufacturing facility status, the project management structure, and design direction and quality assurance measures.
The project aims to fulfill the government's state agenda of introducing a next-generation high-speed rail capable of 400 km/h, and to secure future competitiveness in high-speed rail operations and maintenance technology.
The EMU-370 is a next-generation high-speed train consisting of 16 cars per set, with a maximum commercial operating speed of 370 km/h and a design top speed of 400 km/h.
The train will be the first to adopt an Intelligent Energy-Efficient Operation System, an automated train control system designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
The train will also incorporate enhanced ride comfort standards, operating conditions for extreme weather, and condition-based maintenance devices. Customer convenience will be further improved through a dedicated first-class car, expanded luggage storage, aerodynamically designed exteriors, and updated interior design.
"This is an important project to prepare for the era of Korea's fastest high-speed rail," said Cha Jae-hwan, head of Korail's rolling stock division. "We will manage the manufacturing process thoroughly from the start to ensure the safe and convenient high-speed train is introduced on schedule."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
