Visiting the Origins of High-Speed Rail

Founded in 1900, the CRRC company Qingdao Sifang Co Ltd is the maker of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail or KCJB which will soon be running in Indonesia.

KOMPAS/ELSA EMIRIA LEBA

Three CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd. workers are working in the factory area of the train manufacturing company in Qingdao, Shandong, China, Monday (22/5/2023). With a history of 123 years, the company is one of the oldest train equipment manufacturers in China.

China is a relatively new player in the world of high-speed rail (HSR). Although it was late compared to other advanced nations, China has compensated for this with nearly two decades of progressive growth in the industry. China is also the origins of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (KCJB), which is soon to become operational.

"We are delighted to travel by train because it is cheaper, faster, and safer," tour guide Ashley Ma (40) told a group of journalists from the Asia-Pacific as they headed towards the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the railway manufacturing site of Qingdao Sifang Co. Ltd. in Qingdao, Shandong, China, on Monday (22/05/2023).

Many fascinating achievements in China’s rail transport have come from this company. Enthusiasm filled the air the moment the group entered the vast 1.77-square-kilometer site.

CRRC Sifang brand specialist Sun Kai elaborated on the company’s long history since 1900. With a history spanning 123 years, the company is one of the oldest train manufacturers in China.

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CRRC Sifang produces eight types of trains with speeds ranging 60-600 kilometers per hour, including metros, trams, monorails, passenger cars, diesel trains, maglev trains, intercity electric multiple units (EMUs), and high-speed EMUs. The company has exported its products to 28 countries, including Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Indonesia.

Dozens of locomotives and trains being assembled were neatly arranged in the factory. Of course, the high-speed EMU trains were the center of attention.

The high-speed EMU is one of the fastest commercial trains in the world, reaching speeds of up to 350 kph. This is the type of train that will operate in Indonesia.

A Fuxing EMU train, or CR400AF, consists of eight cars, comprising over 550,000 parts. The Fuxing EMU is integrated with new technologies such as internet connection, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology.

CRRC Sifang has the capacity to produce and assemble six train cars per day. To date, CRRC Sifang has produced over 1,600 high-speed EMUs.

Local Adaptation

We have made several adaptive modifications to ensure they are well-suited to the local environment and incorporate Indonesian cultural elements.

CRRC Sifang finished building EMU trains for the KCJB project in 2022 and delivered them to Indonesia. The KCJB comprises of 11 KCIC400AF EMU trains and one comprehensive inspection train. Each EMU train consists of eight cars.

The KCJB is currently being trialed and is scheduled to commence operations this year.

"For Indonesia, we have made several adaptive modifications to ensure they are well-suited to the local environment and incorporate Indonesian cultural elements," said Sun Kai.

KOMPAS/ELSA EMIRIA LEBA

A number of train cars are parked in the factory area of CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd, Qingdao, Shandong, China, Monday (22/5/2023).

Design-wise, the KCIC400AF train presents an elegant and sleek aesthetic with cars painted silver and red. Silver symbolizes the essence of modern industry, science, and advanced technology, while red pays homage to the Indonesian flag.

At the junction between the locomotive and the cars are striking red polygonal patterns with a unique motif that resembles a Komodo dragon. This design embodies the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

The train cars are meticulously designed to cater to different passenger classes: executive class, first class, and second class. The executive class seats are gray, inspired by the renowned Borobudur Temple. First-class seats are elegantly draped in a deep red hue, while second-class seats feature a delightful combination of gray and blue, drawing inspiration from Indonesia's captivating coastlines. Each seat is adorned with batik patterns reminiscent of wispy clouds.

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The design of the KCIC400AF is meticulously tailored to adapt to the Indonesian climate. The train body incorporates advanced coating technology, significantly enhancing its resistance to corrosion, salt spray, and ultraviolet aging by 50 percent. This innovative method is exceptionally well-suited to withstand the high temperatures, humidity, and salinity prevalent along Indonesia's tropical coastline.

Another adaptation has been made in relation to the condition of railway tracks in Indonesia, which presents significant fluctuations in terrain, including numerous inclines. To address this, the KCIC400AF utilizes "high-acceleration mode" that allows the train to rapidly increase traction. This feature enables trains to navigate complex track conditions and climb inclines more effectively.

Once operational, the KCJB will be the first high-speed rail service in Southeast Asia, showcasing Indonesia's advanced capabilities in urban transportation. In China, high-speed trains are essential components of a modern, integrated transportation network. China currently boasts a high-speed rail network that spans over 40,000 km.

High-speed trains in China have effectively facilitated more efficient logistics and flow of trade.

Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun said high-speed trains in China had contributed significantly to enhancing connectivity, transforming urban centers, and fostering the growth of new cities. "High-speed trains in China have effectively facilitated more efficient logistics and flow of trade, undoubtedly reducing economic costs and reinforcing China's position as the global manufacturing hub," he said.

Djauhari pointed to the Beijing-Tianjin high-speed train as a success story.

Launched in 2008, this train has a track length of 100 km and can complete the journey in just 30 minutes. Over the course of a decade, it has served 250 million passengers and made a substantial contribution to economic growth. Djauhari firmly believes that Indonesia will experience similar progress in the near future.

This article was translated by Tenggara Strategics.