いすみ鉄道株式会社

Between June 26 and June 28, 2024, the Kanto Transportation Bureau conducted a safety audit of Isumi Railway Co., Ltd. in Chiba Prefecture. The audit identified several issues requiring corrective actions. The company is instructed to formulate repair plans based on the February 2024 track displacement inspection results, ensure proper implementation of maintenance and management procedures, and verify the methods and systems for track preservation, including consulting specialized agencies. Additionally, the company must address the use of non-compliant interior wrapping films with unknown combustion standards, enhance staff education on fire safety, and confirm that staff involved in train operations possess the necessary knowledge and skills, with proper documentation of such verifications. Furthermore, the company is directed to use the correct procedures for maintenance vehicle operations, specifically adhering to the 'Maintenance Vehicle Use Procedures' rather than the 'Trolley Use Procedures.' The company is required to report on these measures by November 18, 2024. If the company fails to improve safety management systems or commits further violations, the authorities may order business improvements under the Railway Business Act, Article 23, based on the criteria that the company's operations hinder transportation safety or public interests, and that such measures are necessary to prevent harm to public safety and the environment.

Between November 28 and 30, 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism conducted a safety audit of Isumi Railway Co., Ltd. (corporate number 5040001075140) headquartered in Chiba Prefecture, Isumi District. The audit revealed deficiencies in track maintenance, inspection procedures, and gauge regulation. Specifically, certain track sections exceeded the standards set by the Civil Engineering Facilities Implementation Standards (Article 71), but no maintenance plans had been formulated for these sections, and repairs had not been carried out. The locations include curves with radii of 700m and 300m, and straight sections with gauge deviations of up to -15.1mm. Additionally, the company had not performed turnout displacement inspections since January 2021, and gauge checks at rail joints in March 2022 were not conducted or properly evaluated, with some gauge gaps exceeding 20mm. The Ministry instructed the company to promptly repair the exceeded sections, conduct comprehensive turnout displacement inspections, and promptly address gauge discrepancies, including bolt replacements where necessary, to prevent recurrence. The company is required to report the corrective actions taken by March 24, 2023, and establish a management system to ensure timely and appropriate track maintenance based on regular inspections.