Transport ministry strengthens safety measures for high-speed trains

Passengers evacuate a derailed high-speed train in Yeongdong, North Chungcheong Province, Jan. 5. Korea Times file

By Lee Kyung-min

The transport ministry said Monday that it has established high-speed train safety management and rapid response measures, in a bid to help prevent train derailment following one such incident two months prior.

Seven people suffered minor injuries, Jan. 5, after a high-speed bullet train that was traveling between Daejeon and Gimcheon-Gumi Station derailed due to wheel damage, in what could have been a fatal accident.

The ministry suspended the operation of 13 similar trains immediately after the accident, in cooperation with state-run rail operators KORAIL and SR, and replaced 432 wheels. The ministry has since set up a taskforce comprised of 48 train experts to specify the prevention measures.

The ministry will upgrade maintenance record-keeping and technology, such as using ultrasonic detection equipment to locate cracks in wheels. This will enable closer monitoring of train equipment and for malfunctions while improving efficiency and safety.

Preservation of original inspection data before and after replacing train equipment will be mandatory.

Information sharing between train equipment manufacturers and operators will be strengthened to help improve communications and overall accountability.

A manual will be put together to help maintenance firms understand the importance of following safety protocols and raise awareness about the consequences of noncompliance.

A government-commissioned study will be conducted to outline the responsibilities in detail in the event of train accidents caused by a variety of factors.

The ministry has increased the number of mandatory track operation tests, and will upgrade the steel density.

Passengers will be informed about train delays and expected delays through a mobile app.

A joint response team of train operators and control center officials will decide whether to use a detour within an hour of an accident, and inform passengers of the plan.

The number of electronic boards that display delays at train stations will be increased to 24, doubled from the current 12.

“We have prepared safety measures to limit accidents. Passenger safety will be enhanced,” a ministry official said.