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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Hyundai Rotem has signed a major contract to supply driverless electric trains for the Taichung Blue Line, a key urban rail project in Taiwan.
On May 15, Hyundai Rotem announced that it had signed the official agreement with the Taichung City Mass Rapid Transit Bureau for the delivery of autonomous trains. The total contract value is approximately KRW 420 billion (USD 300 million).
The government of Taiwan is actively expanding urban transit infrastructure to improve transportation efficiency and mobility across major cities. Taichung, the largest city in central Taiwan with a population of around 2.8 million, is shifting its transportation focus to rail-based systems as part of this initiative.
The unmanned electric trains that Hyundai Rotem will supply are equipped with advanced safety features, including front-collision avoidance systems powered by LiDAR, cameras, and artificial intelligence (AI). Each trainset consists of three cars and can carry up to 530 passengers, operating at a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
Constructed with lightweight yet durable aluminum bodies, the trains are designed for enhanced energy efficiency and long-term durability.
Hyundai Rotem’s successful track record in Taiwan played a key role in securing the contract. The company has previously delivered electric train systems for the Taiwan Railways Administration, Kaohsiung Red Line, Taipei Metro, and the Taoyuan Green Line light rail project, earning a strong reputation for reliability and performance.
The Taichung Blue Line is one of four planned urban rail lines in the city (Green, Blue, Red, and Orange). The 24.78-kilometer route with 20 stations will run from Taichung Port in the west through the city center, significantly improving commuting options for local workers and students.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
