志村車両検修場

Beneath the bustling city of Tokyo, a hidden world of engineering and meticulous care hums at the Shimura Rolling Stock Inspection Depot. This isn’t just a depot; it’s the heart of the Toei Mita Line, where the iconic 6300 series trains are inspected and maintained. The Shimura Rolling Stock Inspection Depot’s history intertwines with the growth of Tokyo’s subway system. Initially, in November 1968, the depot began as the Shimura Inspection Depot, serving the then Toei Subway Line 6. A year later, in September 1969, it expanded to include full maintenance capabilities, becoming the Shimura Rolling Stock Works. The depot started small, almost like a “blue sky well”, surrounded by open space. Over time, the area developed. The depot’s innovative design included the construction of an artificial ground level above the depot. This platform provided space for public housing, a school, and even a test track. This clever use of space was a hot topic at the time. In April 2000, the inspection and maintenance operations were merged to form the Shimura Rolling Stock Inspection Depot. The depot has witnessed the evolution of the Mita Line’s rolling stock. Initially, the 6000 series trains, entering service via the Kokutetsu Shinagawa Freight Terminal, called this depot home. These trains, with their iconic blue stripe, were a familiar sight. The 6000 series eventually made way for the more modern 6300 series. The depot began accommodating the 6300 series in 1993, marking a shift towards newer technology. The latest addition, the 6500 series, represents another step in the Mita Line’s progress, boasting an eight-car formation. This was a historical first for the Mita Line, accommodating the line’s expansion and future connection with the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line. Within the Shimura Rolling Stock Inspection Depot, the intricate network of storage tracks, inspection bays, and washing lines buzzes with activity. The depot boasts fifteen storage tracks for eight-car trains and three for washing. The main inspection bay can house six eight-car formations. Even retired trains, like the 6000 series, were thoughtfully stored here, often split into sections. The depot also has a unique test track, running above the storage lines. This track allows engineers to rigorously test trains before they return to service. Above the test track lies staff housing and the Toei Shimura apartment complex, built in 1970 on the artificial ground above the depot. This fascinating layered structure highlights the depot’s efficient use of space. The Shimura Rolling Stock Inspection Depot is more than just a place for maintenance. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and dedication that keeps Tokyo’s Mita Line running smoothly, a hidden marvel beneath our feet.