Preventing Another Uiwang Station Accident: Expansion of Wireless Train Shunting Systems Pursued

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced today (the 9th) that it is pushing to expand wireless-controlled train shunting systems to prevent the recurrence of accidents during vehicle shunting operations.

This measure follows an incident on the 29th of last month where a Korail worker was crushed and killed by a freight train while performing shunting operations at Uiwang Station on the Gyeongbu Line.

The wireless-controlled train shunting system allows workers to remotely control vehicles using wireless devices, fundamentally blocking accidents caused by miscommunication between engineers and workers.

Currently, wireless-controlled trains are in full operation following pilot programs at three stations, including Yeongju, Goedong, and Jecheon marshaling yards.

The ministry plans to expand the introduction of wireless-controlled train shunting systems to major workplaces such as Uiwang Station and minimize workers' exposure to danger by utilizing advanced technologies such as AI video analysis.

In addition, railway safety inspectors will be deployed to major train shunting workplaces to conduct special inspections, while safety management system audits of the railway will be carried out concurrently through the Korea Transportation Safety Authority.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.