Wednesday 24 January 2018

The 90th Anniversary of the Tokyu-Ikegami Line

1023F of the EMU Tokyu 1000 series arrives at Senzokuike Station on the Ikegami Line

The Tokyu-Ikegami Line is a short commuter route in the southwestern part of Tokyo Metropolis. Connecting Kamata and Gotanda, the total operating length is 10.9 km. The track is 1,067 mm-size double. The electric system is 1,500 V DC overhead. It carries an average of 220,000 passengers per day.

The Ikegami Line was partially opened between Kamata and Ikegami (1.8 km) on October 6th, 1922. It was constructed to transport visitors to Ikegami-Honmonji temple. The route was then extended to Osaki-hirokoji on October 9th, 1927. Eventually, it was opened through to Gotanda on June 17th, 1928. That is to say, it is the 90th anniversary of the entire route opening of the Ikegami Line this year.

In commemoration of the 90th anniversary, Tokyu conducted a gratis railway service on October 9th, 2017 on the Ikegami Line. On that day, passengers could use the Ikegami line trains any number of times for free. Tokyu is generous, isn't it?

Tokyu currently operates a train with a special plate on the front for celebrating the 90th anniversary. It is an 18 meter-long, 3-car train, namely 1023F of the EMU 1000 series. The EMU 1000 series debuted in 1988 to replace the decrepit old EMU, the 7000 series. Currently, a total of 9 sets are operated on the line. They usually have red-colored stripes on the bodies, but only one set, namely 1017F has special classic colored bodies, as I introduced before. 

The Ikegami line trains are heading for their centenary history.

A special plate in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Ikegami Line