The ITX (Intercity Train eXpress) Gyeongchun high-speed train service began operating in February after project completion to a tight schedule of just 18 months. Based on the quality of the systems and the work performed, the customer also selected Thales to upgrade the Jeolla Line with ETCS Level 1 equipment. With 25 stations over a total length of 89 km, the work needed to be completed to an ambitious schedule of just seven months in time for Expo 2012, which opened in Yeosu in May.
Thales and its local industry partners were able to manufacture a substantial share of the ETCS Level 1 equipment in South Korea, increasing local added value and boosting overall programme performance.