Taichung: Hyundai Rotem Co., a Republic of Korean railway and defense systems company, announced it has secured a 420 billion-won (US$298.1 million) contract to supply automated trains for a subway project in Taiwan.

According to Lao News Agency, the agreement involves the city government of Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest city with a population of approximately 2.8 million. Hyundai Rotem will provide fully automated trains equipped with advanced technology for the city’s blue subway line.

Each three-car trainset will accommodate up to 530 passengers and operate at a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour. These trains will feature lightweight aluminum bodies designed to enhance durability while decreasing vehicle weight, thereby improving energy efficiency.

The blue line represents the second of four planned metro lines in Taichung, stretching 24.78 kilometers and comprising 20 stations. This line is anticipated to notably enhance the daily commutes of local office workers and students.

Hyundai Rotem cited its successful history of projects in Taiwan as a contributing factor to winning the bid, having previously supplied trains for Taiwan Railways, as well as the Kaohsiung Red Line and Taipei Metro. “A series of successful projects and positive evaluations in Taiwan helped us secure this contract,” a Hyundai Rotem official stated. “We will do our utmost to deliver safe and reliable trains for the people of Taichung.”