New High-Speed Train

[Anchor Lead]

A bilevel high-speed train will debut in Korea this coming summer. The new train will be able to accommodate four times as many passengers as KTX bullet trains.

[Pkg]

The pilot operation of this bilevel high-speed train will begin this coming summer. Both levels have windows. The height of one of the two levels is shorter than that of existing KTX trains. The production of the main frame of the train is almost over. Only a few parts are left. The pilot operation of two new trains will begin in July at the earliest. The Korea Railroad Corporation has operated bilevel trains on its Intercity Train express line since 2012. Each train can accommodate up to 1,400 passengers. That is equal to the number of passengers that can be carried by five domestic flights and 50 first-class buses.

[Soundbite] Ryu Young-soo(Korea Railroad Corporation) : "This train can solve chronic shortages of seats and enhance transportation efficiency."

But it remains to be seen if the new trains will actually go into operation. The plan for the development of bilevel trains as a state project failed to obtain an approval two years ago, while the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport appears to be cautious on the issue due to safety concerns. However, the Korea Railroad Corporation says that the operation of bilevel freight trains will likely begin as early as next year after conducting final inspections this year.