211 series


The 211 series is a suburban electric multiple unit train type introduced in 1985 by Japanese National Railways.
The trains are still being used by East Japan Railway Company. They were also formerly used by West Japan Railway Company until 2010 and Central Japan Railway Company until 2025 in Japan.
Sangi Railway will operate a total of eight former 211-5000 series 3-car sets with the first entering service in May, 2025, and Ryutetsu acquired four 211-6000 series 2-car sets on 9 July, 2025.

Design

The 211 series was developed by JNR to replace older 113 series and 115 series trains. The 211 series incorporated regenerative brakes and stainless steel body construction.

Variants

  • 211-0 series
  • 211-1000 series
  • 211-2000 series
  • 211-3000 series
  • 211-5000 series
  • 211-6000 series
  • Joyful Train variants

Operations

211-0, 211-2000 series

211-1000, 211-3000 series

211-5000, 211-6000 series

Sangi Railway

On 20 and 22 March 2024, JR Central transferred five 211-5000 series 3-car sets to Sangi Railway. On 10 March, 2025, they announced that they will operate a total of eight former 211-5000 series 3-car sets.

Ryutetsu

On 9 July, 2025, Ryutetsu announced that they had purchased four 211-6000 series 2-car sets GG5/GG6/GG8/GG9 from JR Central. The trains will be refurbished before entering service to replace their current 5000 series trains.

Joyful Train sets

Super Saloon Yumeji: Three-car set converted from 211 and 213 series coaches which entered service in 1988 and withdrawn in March 2010. Operated by JR-West and based at Okayama Depot.