Message from President

President
Dr. Kimitoshi ASHIYA Today, the environment surrounding railways is becoming more serious and complex than ever before, with the frequent occurrence of large-scale natural disasters, labor shortages, aging infrastructure, the need to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and the challenge of ensuring the continued operation of regional railways. At the same time, advances in science and technology, including digital technologies such as AI, are creating significant new possibilities for railways.

Under the vision, “We will develop innovative technologies to enhance the rail mode so that railways can contribute to the creation of a happier society,” RTRI has been promoting initiatives designed to meet the needs of society, with research and development as the central pillar of its activities.

Starting in fiscal 2025, RTRI has implemented a new master plan, “Master Plan RESEARCH 2030—Creating Sustainable Railway Systems.” In this plan, we have set four research and development goals: improvement of safety, improvement of productivity, harmony with the environment, and improvement of convenience. Under this plan, we will advance, in an integrated manner, our highest-priority research and development efforts, symbolized by three major pillars—research and development for the future of railways, development of practical technologies, and basic research for railways.

RTRI will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the government, railway operators, and industry, and by accelerating the social implementation of the outcomes obtained through research and development, will vigorously contribute to the realization of railways that are safe, secure, smart, and environmentally friendly. Moreover, we will remain committed to taking on new challenges to promote the development of a sustainable society through railways.