180,000km Test Drive... Deployment on Gyeongbu and Honam Lines Next Month
Hyundai Rotem announced on the 9th that it has completed performance verification before delivery of the new high-speed train 'KTX-Cheongryong'.
A Hyundai Rotem official is inspecting the KTX-Cheongnyong railway vehicle. [Photo by Hyundai Rotem]
KTX-Cheongryong is a new distributed power train with a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h. It operates as an 8-car trainset, with a total of 16 cars in 2 trainsets subject to prior inspection. Each trainset has 515 seats. When two or more trainsets are coupled and operated together, the seating capacity increases to a maximum of 1,030 seats.
Hyundai Rotem conducted performance verification by running over 180,000 km of test drives on the Gyeongbu High-Speed Line, Honam High-Speed Line, and Gyeonggang Line from October 2022 to last January.
To reduce running noise, sound-absorbing materials and soundproof panels were added to the passenger cabins and driver's cab, and optimized suspension devices were installed to reduce vibrations during high-speed operation. Additional improvements were made to enhance ride comfort.
Hyundai Rotem completed factory final vehicle tests, followed by delivery inspections, preliminary runs, and test drives, finishing with acceptance inspections.
Additionally, to prevent odors and contaminants inside the cabins, fresh air dampers equipped with cabin heating temperature control and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technology will be further applied.
Together with Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), a "break-in test run" will be conducted for about three weeks. During this period, Hyundai Rotem will perform final inspections of passenger convenience facilities such as seats and restrooms and complete preparations for commercial operation. Starting next month, KTX-Cheongryong will be deployed on the Gyeongbu and Honam lines.
A Hyundai Rotem official stated, "We have thoroughly ensured the safety of the new high-speed train operation through meticulous prior inspections," adding, "We will continue to do our best to create a safe riding environment for citizens and achieve customer satisfaction."
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