JR Kyushu reported that it found 74 locations within its jurisdiction where track-side utility poles and equipment to prevent the sagging of overhead wires were installed closer to the tracks than the distances indicated in the company’s standards. The issue came to light after an emergency check conducted when the top of the Seven Stars luxury train suffered scratches during a test run on the Nagasaki Line. The company said it never checked the locations of the poles, most of which were installed in the 1960s and 1970s before the company was privatized, and apologized for the “embarrassing” revelation. Regular trains never came into contact with the poles, some of which were 31cm closer to the tracks than is stipulated, but the Seven Stars has a slightly wider body. Three poles have already been fixed and eight more are being monitored. JR Kyushu says it plans to “make improvements as quickly as possible” and that the Oct. 15 launch date for the Seven Stars will not be affected. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 10/8
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