"KTX Nearing End of Service Life"…KORAIL Urges Start of Replacement Process

It Takes 10 Years from Production Decision to Operation
A Budget of 5 Trillion Won Needed... "The Government Must Provide Active Support"

KORAIL announced on the 14th that it needs to prepare for the replacement of the KTX-1, which has been in service for over 20 years. The expected lifespan of the KTX-1 is 30 years.

At the Korean Society of Transportation conference held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KORAIL made this announcement under the theme "Introduction of New Trains Due to the Arrival of KTX Lifespan." Currently, there are 46 KTX-1 trainsets in operation, accounting for 73% of high-speed rail passenger transport as of last year.

High-speed trains running at speeds over 300 km/h take about 10 years from the decision to manufacture to actual operation. KORAIL emphasized, "To ensure stable transportation services and the public’s right to mobility until 2033, when a large-scale replacement is expected, the replacement process must begin now."

KTX train near Haengsin Station, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

Participants agreed that the introduction of new trains will serve as a foundation to enhance railway safety and provide the public with safe and efficient transportation services.

There was also an analysis that a budget of about 5 trillion won will be required in this process.

KORAIL reported that participants unanimously called for "the government to actively support finances and expand investments in railway safety."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.