Two new diesel-powered locomotives procured by Taiwan Railway Corp (TRC) are powerful enough to transport the military’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) or 105mm artillery system, the state-run railway company said yesterday.
The nation’s largest railway operator highlighted its capability to transport military equipment following a recent meeting between TRC chairman Tu Wei (杜微) and All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency Transport Department Director Lee Shih-jie (李世傑).
Tu and Lee exchanged views on some technical issues, including expanding cargo-loading training and installing conveying equipment, bridge decks, improved caboose and new mobile terminal platforms.
Photo courtesy of Taiwan Railway Corp
The two agencies have set a preliminary schedule on the coordination and special task force meetings, TRC said.
“We have been trying to improve our transportation models and make the best plans by coordinating with the military and cargo dealers. TRC employees are to apply skills they learn from the training when transporting goods and military equipment,” Tu said.
“We have also prepared to meet the needs for transportation when the natural disasters hit,” he said.
The railway company has purchased two diesel-powered R200 locomotives, with testing to be completed this month, Tu added.
The two locomotives are scheduled to be in operation next month, he said.
“With their high horsepower, the locomotives would be able to increase the tonnage of cargo trains and reduce transportation time. The military palns to introduce M142 HIMARS or 105mm artillery systems, both of which are wheeled vehicles that can be transported by using TRC’s flat cars,” Tu said.
Separately, the railway police are searching for a passenger who on Friday deliberately pulled the conductor’s valve on the ninth car of a EMU3000 train causing it to automatically stop at Taitung’s Jinlun (金崙) Station.
To reduce the amount of delay, the railway boarded passengers to another train that arrived 26 minutes later, the TRC said, adding that the train was not damaged.
The train resumed operation after the valve was returned to its normal position, it said.
“We have reviewed the surveillance footage recorded at the ninth cabin and turned the evidence over to the Railway Police Bureau,” the company said.
TRC vice chairman Liu Shuang-huo (劉雙火) said the valve should be used in emergencies in which the conductor needs to stop the train immediately.
Pulling down the valve without any legitimate reason would cause the train to stop abruptly and passengers could be injured, he said.
There is a sign next to the valve warning people to not touch the device, he said.
Once caught, the passenger would not only be fined but face criminal punishment for endangering public safety, Liu added.
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