'Smart Evacuation Passage' Developed for Fires on the GTX

Blocking Toxic Smoke

Aiming to Secure Safe Evacuation Spaces Within Three Minutes in Deep Underground Railways

A "Smart Evacuation Passage" technology, designed to block toxic smoke and protect passengers in the event of a fire in deep underground railways, has been developed and pilot-tested on an actual line. As an evacuation facility that structurally prevents smoke inhalation—the greatest risk factor during a fire—this technology is being recognized as one that could change the safety standards for deep underground railways such as the GTX in the future.

The 'Smart Evacuation Passage' is designed using a high-temperature resistant screen material, capable of withstanding temperatures of 200°C for more than 30 minutes. It maintains a higher internal pressure than the outside by injecting fresh air inside, preventing the intrusion of toxic smoke. Provided by Korea Railroad Research Institute

The Korea Railroad Research Institute announced on April 17 that it has developed a smart evacuation passage that automatically deploys in emergency situations such as fires. This passage uses high-temperature resistant screen material, allowing it to withstand temperatures of 200℃ for more than 30 minutes. By injecting fresh air to maintain a higher internal air pressure than the outside, it blocks the inflow of toxic smoke.

Additionally, entrances are placed at 12-meter intervals to enable a large number of passengers to quickly enter the passage, and the key feature is that it provides a safe evacuation route even in deep underground environments. The researchers aim to secure a safe space within three minutes, even in deep underground areas, through this technology.

This technology was developed as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s national R&D project, “Development of High-Risk Disaster Recognition, Prediction, and Response Technologies for Deep Underground Railway Facilities,” with support from the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement (KAIA). In collaboration with GTX-A Operation Co., Ltd., pilot installations and performance verification were also carried out to apply the technology in railway field settings.

Conceptual diagram of smart evacuation passage. Passengers can walk through the passage that blocks smoke to evacuate. Provided by Korea Railroad Research Institute.

The technology was also validated through real-world application. On this day, the Korea Railroad Research Institute and GTX-A Operation Co., Ltd. conducted an emergency response drill at a rescue platform between Seoul Station and Yeonsinnae Station, simulating a train fire. The drill assumed a fire onboard, with the train making an emergency stop, and passengers evacuating safely without exposure to toxic smoke using the smart evacuation passage.

Sa Gong-myeong, President of the Korea Railroad Research Institute, stated, "Railways operating in deep underground sections require even more specialized safety equipment in the event of a fire. Based on the research achievements accomplished in cooperation with railway operators, we will continue to focus on developing railway safety technologies that protect the lives of our citizens."

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