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JNR 211 Series / 国鉄211系

The 211 Series (211系) is an suburban type EMU operated by JR Central and JR East.

Introduced shortly before the division and privatization of JNR, the 211 series was used on suburban lines in both Greater Tokyo and Nagoya. The type continued to be produced by both JR companies after their inception, and was utilized on a variety of important medium distance services such as those on the Tōkaidō Main Line and Chūō Main Line. Composed of a lightweight stainless steel body and possessing regenerative braking, 211 series units were considerably cheaper and more efficient then the previous 113 and 115 series. Like other former rolling stock introduced on JR East's core routes, the type was transferred to secondary lines after around 20 years of service. This process involved modifying the former 10 and 5 car sets into 2, 3, 4 and 6 car consists, and excess cars were scrapped. As of current, JR East operates a substantial fleet of 211 series trains from Nagano Vehicle Center, running on a variety of lines in the region. Another smaller fleet belongs to the Takasaki Vehicle Center, operating in and around Gunma Prefecture. For JR Central, combined operations in the Nagoya region of 3 and 4 car sets up to 10 cars were carried out until around 2022. They currently remain in the Shizouka area, with full withdrawal expected around 2025. Out of the 827 cars manufactured, around 400 are currently in service.

-JR Central has withdrawn the type from regular operations since 21 March, 2025.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 110km/h, 120km/h (JR Central refurbished)
Acceleration: 0.58m/s/s or 0.69m/s/s depending on M/T ratio
Motor Output: 120kW x 4 per car
Seating: semi-cross (0/1000 series), long (2000/3000/5000/6000 series)
In Service: 1986-

The following formations are included:


JR East

1000 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 2M1T
Max Pax: 443

3000 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 2M1T
Max Pax: 626

3000 Series (4 Car)

Configuration: 2M2T
Max Pax: 851

0 Series (6 Car)

Configuration: 4M2T
Max Pax: 922

2000 Series (6 Car)

Configuration: 4M2T
Max Pax: 1280

-Also operated in 3+3 car consists of 1000+1000, 1000+3000, or 3000+3000.

JR Central

6000 Series (2 Car)

Configuration: 1M1T
Max Pax: 424

5000 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 2M1T
Max Pax: 651

5000 Series (4 Car)

Configuration: 2M2T
Max Pax: 878

-5000 Series can be also be operated as 3+3, 4+4, and 4+3+3.