新型車両「E131系」今秋デビューへ！多言語案内や防犯カメラも搭載　安全性・快適性も大幅向上（abnステーション　2026.05.28）

A new train supporting regional transportation in Shinshu will debut this autumn. JR East unveiled the new train, which boasts enhanced safety and comfort, to the press. The new train, the "E131 series," was unveiled at the General Rolling Stock Center in Nagano City. The three-car train is scheduled to begin commercial operation on the Chuo Main Line, Shinonoi Line, and Shin'etsu Main Line around this autumn. ■Reporter's Report "This is the new train that will debut this autumn. It inherits the color scheme of the currently running 211 series, giving it a familiar feel." The interior features a blue-based design, inspired by the "blessings of water from the Alps." Furthermore, a free space, which was not present in previous trains, has been introduced. This will allow people using strollers or wheelchairs to travel more safely and comfortably. ■Reporter's Report "The seats are 2 centimeters wider than before, giving a more spacious feel." Improvements in safety and security have also been made. Security cameras have been installed in each car. Multilingual information displays are installed above the doors. The design was clearly conceived with foreign tourists in mind. ■Hiroshi Shimoozono, Executive Officer and General Manager of JR East Nagano Branch "We hope that this train will be used by many customers and become a beloved vehicle for many." This is the first introduction of a new train in the prefecture in 28 years, since 1998. Performance verification tests and trial runs are scheduled to begin in June.