Korail Adds 'Energy Reduction' Criterion to High-Speed Train Bidding Process

Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) will increase the emphasis on 'energy reduction design' for the high-speed train EMU-260 (KTX-Eum) to be introduced in the future.

Citizens are moving to board the Jungang Line KTX-Eum train extended to Seoul Station at Seoul Station. / Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

On the 12th, KORAIL announced that it will add conditions to reduce energy consumption in the evaluation criteria for high-speed train purchase bids. This is to prioritize the purchase of eco-friendly, energy-saving high-speed trains.

The newly added criteria include ▲aerodynamic design to reduce running resistance ▲reflection of energy consumption characteristics ▲measurement of power consumption ▲vehicle lightweighting. These have been applied starting from the announcement conducted from the 30th of last month to the 9th of this month. Previously, KORAIL had incorporated eco-friendly energy conditions in individual component areas such as lightweight vehicle parts and energy-saving braking technology.

The high-speed train (EMU-260) manufactured with new energy reduction technologies will be deployed in 13 trainsets (78 cars) on new lines such as Chuncheon and Sokcho starting in 2027.

Lee Ki-cheol, head of KORAIL’s rolling stock division, said, "To establish high-speed trains as future transportation means, we will lead a sustainable railway industry by adding energy reduction bidding conditions focused on eco-friendliness."

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