On the 5th of next month, a new semi-high-speed train will be introduced, and it will run in 2 hours from Cheongnyangni to Andong

From January 5 of next year, the new semi-high-speed train, EMU-260, will be put into operation between Cheongnyangni (Seoul) and Andong (Gyeongbuk) of the Jungang Line. If the train, which has a maximum speed of 260 km/h, runs, it can run the section between Cheongnyangni and Andong in about 2 hours.

On the 28th, KORAIL announced the’Jungang Line Operation Plan’. Previously, the double track electrification project for the Wonju-Jecheon section of the Jungang Line was recently completed. According to this, the Jungang Line will change from the existing ITX-Saemaul and Mugunghwa ferry to the EMU-260 and Mugunghwa ferry.

When EMU-260 is put in, it can arrive from Cheongnyangni to Jecheon in about an hour. Previously, ITX-Saemaul took about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and Mugunghwa Lake took about 2 hours. In addition, Cheongnyangni~Andong can be run in an average of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It took over 3 hours and 30 minutes to Mugunghwa Lake.

EMU-260 runs the same section as the existing Gangneung Line KTX from Cheongnyangni Station to Seowonju Station, and then runs a new route from Seowonju Station. Stop stations are Cheongnyangni, Yangpyeong, Seowonju, Wonju, Jecheon, Danyang, Punggi, Yeongju and Andong stations.

The number of trips runs 14 times on weekdays (7 times up and 7 times down) and 16 times on weekends (8 times up and 8 times down). Part of the existing Mugunghwa ferry is also replaced by the EMU-260.

The EMU is a power distribution vehicle that is operated by installing a motor under several carriages like a subway car, rather than the way a locomotive pulls a train in front (power intensive). KTX or KTX-Sancheon is a power intensive type.

The advantage of a power distribution vehicle is that it has excellent acceleration and deceleration capabilities. The EMU-260, which will be introduced this time, has 46 seats in a special room and 335 seats in a general room in a pair of 6 cars. The name of this vehicle has yet to be confirmed. The EMU-320, which is currently under development, is expected to replace the KTX and KTX-Sancheon currently in operation with a maximum speed of 320 km/h.

According to international standards, if the speed is 200 km/h or more, it is classified as a high-speed train. However, since 300 km/h or more is generally regarded as a high-speed train, the EMU-260 is called a’quasi-high-speed train’.
KORAIL President Son Byeong-seok said, “The new high-speed trains operating in the central region will be the cornerstone of creating a’national KTX life zone’.”

Reporter Kang Gap-saeng [email protected]