高松琴平電気鉄道株式会社

On April 11, 2023, at the Kamino Fukuoka level crossing on the Nagao Line, a train entered the crossing without the barrier being lowered (hereafter referred to as 'unbarriered crossing incident'). Following this, safety audits were conducted on April 13, 14, and 26, 2023, and directives were issued for the company to implement measures to prevent recurrence. Despite these efforts, similar incidents occurred on July 13, 2023, at the Shimomatsu River first crossing on the Kotohira Line, and on August 19, 2023, at the Enza crossing on the same line. Further audits on August 23-25, 2023, revealed deficiencies in past measures against unbarriered crossings, leading to instructions for corrective actions. The company was advised to verify the appropriateness of operational methods, conduct root cause analysis, and establish a system for ongoing inspections and training to ensure safety. The company must report on measures taken by January 31, 2024. Past audits in fiscal year 2020-2021 under the Railway Business Act indicated that inspection procedures, including the newly created 'Level Crossing Inspection Manual,' were not fully implemented, specifically the 'Circuit Control Inspection Method during Maximum Barrier Rise.' Training was limited to a single temporary session, with no ongoing education. If the company fails to improve safety management or commits further violations, authorities may order business improvements under the Railway Business Act, Article 23, based on the criteria that the company's operations are impairing transportation safety or public interest, and that such measures are necessary to address confirmed facts of obstruction to safety and public benefit.

On April 11, 2023, at the Kamifukuoka crossing between Hanagoe Station and Rindo Station on the Nagao Line, a train entered the crossing without the barrier being lowered, and stopped. The company had previously experienced similar incidents on January 28, 2021; December 3, 2021; February 8, 2022; and April 14, 2022, and had been implementing preventive measures. Nonetheless, the incident occurred again. An inspection conducted on April 13, 14, and 26, 2023, revealed issues requiring improvement. The cause was identified as a secondary fuse in a pole-mounted transformer supplying power to the crossing control system having blown. The inspection found that although fuse records from 2021 indicated all were in good condition, damaged fuses and excessive usage beyond the recommended lifespan were present. The inspection manual did not specify testing the fuse itself, and staff training on transformer replacement had not been conducted since January 2020. Additionally, periodic electrical inspections did not adhere to standards, with some inspections conducted prematurely or with incomplete records. The authorities instructed the company to investigate the root causes, revise inspection and management procedures, and conduct necessary training, with a report due by July 31, 2023.

On February 9, 2022, the Shikoku Transport Bureau issued administrative guidance to Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railway Co., Ltd. regarding an incident at the Shinkawa Embankment level crossing on the Nagao Line, where a train passed without the crossing being closed. The company had previously caused similar incidents on January 28 and December 3, 2021. Despite implementing preventive measures within the company, such incidents occurred again. The bureau issued a strict warning to thoroughly investigate the underlying causes of these incidents and to implement measures to prevent recurrence. The company is requested to promptly report the investigation results and measures in writing.