Japan: Mysterious Series 90000 Train to Be Launched Soon

Japan's Tobu Railway is set to launch an innovative electric train project for the Tokyo metropolitan area, and has released renderings of the Series 90000 trains. The first batch of 7-car trains will enter operation on the Tobu Tojo Line next year. This suburban line is 75 kilometers long, has a gauge of 1067 mm, and handles heavy passenger traffic.

Tobu Railway has ordered 10 modern trains powered by overhead lines to update its fleet, replacing the outdated Series 9000 trains manufactured by Tokyu Car between 1981 and 1994. The new trains adopt eco-friendly technologies, equipped with silicon carbide traction converters, asynchronous motors and LED lighting, reducing power consumption by 40% compared to their predecessors.

Currently, the manufacturer of the Series 90000 trains has not been disclosed, adding a sense of mystery to the project. Previously, Tobu Railway collaborated with Kinki Sharyo and Hitachi Rail on train production.