Railway Technical Research Institute (鉄道総合技術研究所), or RTRI (鉄道総研), is the technical research company under the Japan Railways group of companies.

Overview

RTRI was established in its current form in 1986 just before Japanese National Railways (JNR) was privatised and split into separate JR group companies. It conducts research on everything related to trains, railways and their operation. It is funded by the government and private rail companies. It works both on developing new railway technology, such as magnetic levitation, and on improving the safety and economy of current technology. Its research areas include earthquake detection and alarm systems, obstacle detection on level crossings, improving adhesion between train wheels and tracks, reducing energy usage, noise barriers and preventing vibrations. RTRI is the main developer in the Japanese SCMaglev program.

Offices and test facilities

Main office

Research facilities

Gauge Change Train

The RTRI is developing a variable gauge system, called the "Gauge Change Train", to allow Shinkansen trains to access lines of the original rail network.

Publications