MHI to supply 66 all-aluminium-alloy carriages for "Astram Line" in Hiroshima

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received an order from Hiroshima Rapid Transit Co., Ltd. for 66 all-aluminium-alloy carriages (11 trains) that will be used on the Hiroshima New Transit Line 1. Known as the "Astram Line," this Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system connects different parts of the Hiroshima City. The newly ordered AGT vehicles will replace carriages that have been in service since the Astram Line was inaugurated in 1994. Deliveries are expected to commence in the 2019 fiscal year and will be completed by FY 2025.

The new-type carriages incorporate a series of state-of-the-art technologies to achieve benefits for operator as well as passenger. MHI will continue to promote its Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) offerings for new urban transit systems and airports both in Japan and around the world.

The USP of these newly ordered carriages lies in MHI's proprietary all-aluminium-alloy, double-skin structure which they describe as "Al-Fine". This aluminium structure offers a number of benefits in terms of light weight, outstanding durability and easy recycling. The lightweight aluminium vehicles will consume much lesser energy than the original carriages. The low maintenance aluminium structures are sustainable because of their infinite end-of-life recycling capabilities.

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The cars will incorporate MHI's innovative "T-smover" bogies. These would increase riding comfort by reducing the carriage's swaying motion. The new cars are equipped with MHI's specially designed "G-Fit" semi-high-back bucket type seats for better body support. The company hopes to continue to work closely with the customer to achieve comfort, safety and security while maintaining the original image of the Astram Line, now an established symbol of Hiroshima.