News Release 2019

The Railway Technical Research Institute developed a new master plan “RESEARCH 2025” for the five years starting 2020 as a concrete plan to fulfill RTRI’s vision “We will develop innovative technologies to enhance the rail mode so that railways can contribute to the creation of a happier society”.

The Railway Technical Research Institute held the 12th World Congress on Railway Research, WCRR 2019 from October 28 to November 1 this year at the Tokyo International Forum under the theme “Railway Research to Enhance the Customer Experience”.

RTRI has been developing the fuel cell hybrid powered test railway vehicle uses hydrogen energy in order to save fossil energy and reduce the environmental footprint as a next-generation railway vehicle. We carried out the basic running tests with the test vehicle that was introduced in RTRI’s news release dated August 28, 2019 (*) and demonstrated its basic running performance.

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of moving to Kunitachi, the board members of RTRI and its affiliated companies planted a cherry tree on October 16, 2019.

RTRI has been developing a next-generation train, fuel cell hybrid train which uses hydrogen energy in order to save fossil energy and reduce the environmental footprint, and has completed a test vehicle that is close to practical use. Considering the deployment to many commercial-service lines, this vehicle has allowed a larger cabin space by reducing the size of the on-board apparatus and improving its performance and has boosted its traction power output and startup acceleration.

The Railway Technical Research Institute has been developing the superconducting feeder cable system. Most recently, RTRI conducted a power feeding and shut-off test in cooperation with the East Japan Railway Company in order to apply the system to commercial service operation. The system was connected to the regular catenary system of the Chuo Line (1500V DC) and the tests were implemented while a test train was running on the track.

The Railway Technical Research Institute has developed a seismic retrofitting method for suspended ceilings with shorter hanging-disrtance. This method has been adopted by JR West to retrofit its station buildings.

The Railway Technical Research Institute has been developing the superconducting feeder cable system. Most recently, RTRI conducted a shut-off test and power feeding test on 600V-DC-powered commercial lines for the first time in the world. These tests were implemented in cooperation with the Bureau of Transportation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., in order to check whether this system can be applied to commercial service operation.

The Railway Technical Research Institute will host The 12th World Congress on Railway Research, WCRR 2019, from October 28 to November 1 this year at the Tokyo International Forum under the theme “Railway Research to Enhance the Customer Experience”.