Okinawa Urban Monorail completes new depot to expand Yui Rail capacity

Okinawa Urban Monorail has completed a new second vehicle depot near Naha Airport to support the expansion of its Yui Rail service to three-car train sets. The facility, which was opened to the press on October 9, was designed to alleviate morning rush hour congestion, where occupancy rates have reached approximately 130%.

The project, which began construction in May 2022 with a total cost of approximately 20 billion yen, includes a factory building capable of inspecting up to two train sets and a maintenance garage for rail inspection vehicles. The location was moved to the area near Naha Airport due to land acquisition issues during the planning stages.

By utilizing this new depot, the operator aims to increase the number of three-car train sets from the current five sets to seven by fiscal year 2026, and eventually to nine sets by fiscal year 2027. This expansion is intended to enhance transport capacity and ensure safe, regular operations through improved maintenance capabilities.