臨時快速高山行きキハ75形代走と踏切事故による影響／Substitute Operation of KiHa 75 and the Impact of a Level Crossing Accident on the Special Rapid Service to Takayama

臨時快速高山行きキハ75形代走と踏切事故による影響

先日の踏切事故で特急「ひだ」が運休したため、JR東海は代替措置としてキハ75形を使用した臨時快速「高山」を名古屋〜高山間で運転しました。この記事では運転の背景、編成・運行詳細、事故の状況と影響、過去の類似例、車両特性から見た所要時間や運用上の意義まで、事実と運用観点を整理して解説します。

運転背景と目的

• 背景：2025年10月1日、各務原市内の踏切（各務ケ原〜蘇原間）で特急「ひだ」が自動車運搬車（キャリアカー）と衝突し、編成に損傷が生じたため、以降の特急列車が運休や遅延を余儀なくされました。
• 目的：特急「ひだ83号」の運休に伴い、高山方面の利用者の利便性を維持するため、臨時快速列車をキハ75形で延長運転し高山まで直通させた措置です。臨時列車は短期的な輸送力確保と需要分散を両立する実務的な代替策でした。

2025年10月9日 臨時快速高山ゆき 運行概要

• 区間：名古屋〜高山（高山本線）
• 編成：キハ75形4両編成（下呂以遠への延長運転は例外的措置）
• 列車種別と役割：臨時快速（事実上の特急代走）として運転、列車番号は臨時のもの（帰路の名古屋行きは9984D扱い）
• 運用意図：既存の普通列車用車両で高山まで延長し、特急運休による空白をカバー。乗客サービス（座席配置や車内案内）については臨時対応が行われたはずです。
• 乗車報告：X（旧Twitter）上に乗車報告や車窓動画が投稿され、現場の混乱収束や代替輸送の評価に関する生の声が確認されています。

踏切事故の要点と影響

• 事故内容：特急「ひだ」がキャリアカーと衝突。衝突した編成はHC85系D2編成が先頭に立っていたとの報告。
• 人的被害：乗客6〜19人程度が軽傷。
• 車両損傷：先頭編成の窓ガラス多数破損などの目立つ損傷を確認。
• 運行影響：現場での運転見合わせ、特急運休や大幅遅延が発生。編成復旧や代替車両の手配が必要となり、これが臨時快速設定の直接的な要因となった。

車両特性と運用上の意味合い

• キハ75形の特徴：基本は普通列車用の気動車だが、車内はクロスシートを採用し長距離向けの快適性を確保。床下機器はキハ85系と同等に近いスペックを持つため、通常の運用域を超えても所要時間の面で大きな差が出にくい点がある。
• 運用の柔軟性：キハ75形を下呂までの常態を超えて高山まで延長したのは臨時の需要に合致した合理的判断。特急代走としての代替輸送は、設備面・乗客案内面での臨機応変な対応能力を示す事例です。

去の類似例

• 2024年10月27日：「さわやかウォーキング」に合わせ、美濃太田〜高山間でキハ75形による臨時快速が1往復運転された事例があり、観光イベントなどの需要対応での運用前例が存在します。
• 意義：今回の代走は、こうした「イベント臨時」運用の経験が応用された実務的な延長と言えます。

旅客視点と運行管理視点の短評

• 旅客視点：クロスシートの快適性から特急代替として受け入れやすく、特に高山観光客や地域利用者にとっては重要な代替手段となった。車内サービスや輸送力確保に配慮した点は評価できる。
• 運行管理視点：事故発生時の代替列車手配、運転士・乗務員配置、車両検査・復帰の調整が同時並行で必要となるため、平時からの柔軟な車両運用計画と人的資源の確保が改めて重要になった。

結びと今後への示唆

今回のキハ75形による臨時快速高山は、非常時におけるJR東海の実務的な代替措置を端的に示す事例です。事故対応と同時に輸送の継続性をどのように担保するかは今後も重要な課題であり、車両の汎用性と運用計画の柔軟性がカギとなります。被害に遭われた方の早期回復とダイヤの速やかな正常化を願います。

Substitute Operation of KiHa 75 and the Impact of a Level Crossing Accident on the Special Rapid Service to Takayama

Due to a recent level crossing accident that caused the suspension of the Limited Express "Hida," JR Central implemented a substitute measure by operating a special rapid service "Takayama" between Nagoya and Takayama using the KiHa 75 series. This article organizes and explains the facts and operational perspectives regarding the background of this operation, train formation and operational details, the situation and impact of the accident, similar past cases, the required travel time and operational significance from the viewpoint of vehicle characteristics.

Background and Purpose of the Operation

l   Background: On October 1, 2025, a collision occurred at a level crossing in Kakamigahara City (between Kakamigahara and Sohara stations), where the Limited Express "Hida" struck a car carrier, resulting in damage to the train formation. This led to the subsequent suspension or delay of limited express trains.

l   Purpose: In response to the suspension of the Limited Express "Hida 83," a special rapid train was extended to Takayama using the KiHa 75 series to maintain convenience for passengers heading toward Takayama. The special train was a practical substitute that ensured short-term transport capacity and helped distribute demand.

Overview of the Special Rapid Takayama Service on October 9, 2025

l   Section: Nagoya–Takayama (Takayama Main Line)

l   Formation: 4-car KiHa 75 series formation (extension beyond Gero was an exceptional measure)

l   Train type and role: Operated as a special rapid service (effectively substituting for the limited express), with a temporary train number (the return service to Nagoya was designated as 9984D)

l   Operational intent: The train was extended to Takayama using stock usually assigned to local services, covering the gap caused by the suspension of limited express trains. Passenger services (such as seat configuration and in-car guidance) were likely adapted for this temporary operation.

l   Rider reports: Reports and window-view videos of the ride were posted on X (formerly Twitter), providing firsthand accounts of the resolution of confusion at the site and evaluations of the substitute transportation.

Key Points and Impact of the Level Crossing Accident

l   Accident details: The Limited Express "Hida" collided with a car carrier. Reports indicate the HC85 series D2 formation was leading at the time of the collision.

l   Personal injury: Approximately 6–19 passengers sustained minor injuries.

l   Train damage: Significant damage was observed, including the shattering of many windows on the lead formation.

l   Operational impact: Train operations were suspended at the site, and there were major delays and cancellations of limited express services. Restoration of the formation and arrangement of substitute rolling stock were required, directly leading to the setup of the special rapid service.

Vehicle Characteristics and Operational Significance

l   Features of the KiHa 75 series: Although primarily designed for local services, these diesel multiple units are equipped with cross seats for long-distance comfort. The underfloor equipment is comparable to that of the KiHa 85 series, so there is little difference in required travel time even when operating beyond their usual range.

l   Operational flexibility: Extending the KiHa 75 series beyond the usual Gero terminus to Takayama was a rational decision to meet temporary demand. As a substitute for the limited express, this case demonstrates the ability to respond flexibly in both equipment and passenger guidance.

Similar Past Cases

l   On October 27, 2024, in response to the "Sawayaka Walking" event, a special rapid service using the KiHa 75 series was operated as a round trip between Mino-Ota and Takayama, providing a precedent for such event-related operations.

l   Significance: This substitute operation can be seen as a practical extension of the experience gained from such "event special" services.

Short Comments from Passenger and Operational Management Perspectives

l   Passenger perspective: Thanks to the comfort of cross seats, the substitute service was well received as an alternative to the limited express, especially for tourists visiting Takayama and local users. The attention paid to passenger services and maintaining transport capacity is commendable.

l   Operational management perspective: Arranging substitute trains, assigning drivers and crew, and coordinating vehicle inspections and reinstatement all had to be managed simultaneously in response to the accident. This highlighted the renewed importance of flexible rolling stock management and securing human resources during normal times.

Conclusion and Future Indications

The special rapid service to Takayama using the KiHa 75 series in this instance is a clear example of JR Central's practical substitute measures during emergencies. Ensuring transportation continuity while responding to incidents will continue to be an important challenge, with the versatility of rolling stock and flexibility in operational planning being key. We hope for the swift recovery of those affected and the prompt normalization of the timetable.