The Nippori-Toneri Liner, a metropolitan train line connecting Arakawa-ku and Adachi-ku in Tokyo, has experienced four days of trouble since the 10th due to a sudden rise in temperature causing damage to the overhead wire and pantograph. This resulted in the suspension of 217 trains, affecting approximately 33,800 people. Despite repairs, the power still went out on the night of the 12th due to a loose pantograph bolt in another vehicle, prompting further investigation into the cause. The Toneri Liner has the highest congestion rate among major routes in Japan, according to a survey from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Nippori Station on the Nippori-Toneri Liner = Arakawa Ward, Tokyo (material photo)
The metropolitan “Nippori-Toneri Liner” connecting Arakawa-ku and Adachi-ku, Tokyo, has been in trouble for four consecutive days since the 10th. The metropolitan transportation bureau announced on the 13th that the sudden rise in temperature caused the overhead wire to bend, and the pantograph, which receives electricity from the overhead wire, was damaged. A total of 217 trains were suspended, including the first train on the 13th until after 6:00 a.m., affecting a total of about 33,800 people.
According to the Tokyo metropolitan government, power outages began around 11:30 am on the 10th, with power outages continuing in some sections. The staff found damage to the pantograph in the vehicle in the blackout section and repaired part of the overhead wire.
Around 1:00 p.m. on the following day, the 11th, during an inspection on foot, a staff member confirmed sag in the overhead wire between Kohoku and Nishiarai Daishi West. A person in charge explained, “When the overhead wire stretched due to a sudden rise in temperature, the metal fittings, which play a role in absorbing the length, became defective due to dust and scratches, resulting in deflection.” The damage to the pantograph on the 10th is also presumed to have been caused by the deflection of the overhead wire.
All lines resumed on the evening of the 11th, but the power went out again on the night of the 12th. This time, the pantograph bolt of another vehicle, which was replaced after the power outage on the 10th, had come loose. The cause is unknown, and the person in charge said, “We would like to take all possible measures by thoroughly investigating the cause.”
The Nippori-Toneri Liner operates automatically under computer control. According to a survey of urban railway congestion rates released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in July last year, the congestion rate of the Toneri Liner was 144%, the highest among major routes nationwide. (Mayuko Watanabe, Chisato Miyake)
In conclusion, the Nippori-Toneri Liner experienced significant disruptions due to overheating in the overhead wire and pantograph damages. These issues led to the suspension of 217 trains and affected around 33,800 people. The causes of the damages are being investigated, and the Tokyo metropolitan government has expressed its commitment to taking all possible measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The Toneri Liner already had the highest congestion rates among major routes nationwide, and these disruptions have only added to the inconvenience for commuters. It remains to be seen how the Tokyo metropolitan government will address this issue and provide reliable transportation for its citizens.