Hyundai Rotem Wins Maintenance Contract for Incheon Maglev Train Project

Performing Medium Maintenance Including Disassembly, Assembly, and Functional Inspection of Maglev Trains by 2024
"Showcasing Stable Maintenance Experience Based on Technical Expertise"

Incheon International Airport Urban Maglev Train. [Photo by Hyundai Rotem]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Yeju] Hyundai Rotem has secured a maintenance contract for maglev trains.

Hyundai Rotem announced on the 7th that it signed a contract for the mid-level maintenance service of maglev trains commissioned by Incheon International Airport Corporation.

This project involves mid-level maintenance of four maglev train sets (a total of 8 cars) operating on the 6.1 km section from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 Station to Yongyu Station, with the period running from this month until October 2024.

Mid-level maintenance refers to a high-level task requiring skilled workers, where trains are regularly disassembled according to maintenance plans for comprehensive inspection and repair. It includes checking and replacing parts of major components such as braking systems, electrical devices, and bogies to ensure train safety and operational performance.

Through this project, Hyundai Rotem will perform maintenance tasks including mid-level maintenance, vehicle function inspections, test runs, and worker training for the maglev trains.

The maglev train operates on the principle of magnets where like poles repel and opposite poles attract, allowing the vehicle to float at a certain distance above the track. This results in almost no noise or vibration and no frictional resistance, making it an eco-friendly transportation method with low energy consumption.

This train was delivered by Hyundai Rotem to Incheon International Airport Corporation in 2013. It operates unmanned, consists of two cars per set, and can accommodate about 180 passengers. Its maximum speed is 110 km/h.

Since 1989, Hyundai Rotem has secured maglev train technology by starting development of test vehicles with the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, developing the test model UTM-01 in 1998 and UTM-02 in 2006. Subsequently, through a national research and development project, it completed the development of urban maglev train commercialization technology in 2013.

A Hyundai Rotem official said, "Based on advanced technology and extensive experience in various maintenance projects, we will provide customers with a stable maintenance experience," adding, "We will continue to strengthen our competitiveness in maintenance projects and make every effort to continuously create future revenue sources."