JR East has put into operation the first high-speed electric train of the E8 series from Kawasaki Rail and Hitachi Rail

The seven-car train began operating on a 403 km line connecting Tokyo and the city of Shinze in the northern part of Honshu Island, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This moment marks a significant step in Japan’s modern railway history. Introduced last February, the new E8 series electric train boasts several significant advantages over its predecessors.

In Kazakhstan, they plan to repair 11,000 kilometers of railway tracks over five years

Japanese manufacturers plan to supply JR East with 15 such trains by 2026, aiming to fully replace the outdated E3 series trains produced from 1995 to 2009.

Special attention has been paid to increasing the maximum speed, which has been raised from 275 to 300 km/h, ensuring faster and more efficient passenger transport.

However, despite the increased speed, it should be noted that a significant portion of the routes still pass through sections with speed limitations due to infrastructure peculiarities and technical constraints, requiring further modernization.

The new E8 series electric train offers passengers comfortable conditions during their journeys.

With 355 seats, including 26 first-class seats and 329 second-class seats, passengers have the option to choose the optimal level of service.

Porterbrook and GB Railfreight have ordered 50 Greenbrier wagons

The traction system is designed to operate on both 20 kV and 25 kV AC lines, providing flexibility in operation.

Each carriage is equipped with active suspension, reducing vibrations and enhancing comfort during travel, further improving the overall passenger experience.

The introduction of the first high-speed electric train of the E8 series is a significant event for the Japanese railway industry, aimed at providing more efficient and comfortable passenger transport on the country’s main routes.

Photo: Mainichi/Shuichi Kanzaki, Tuy News, Takeda/X, Tetsudomynavi/X

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

In Kazakhstan, tariffs for railway transportation of coal, ore, and scrap metal have increased