[JP] JR Tokai: No opening of Linear Central Shinkansen in 2027, as Shizuoka Pref. refuses to allow construction

[latestnews]

JR Tokai: No opening of Linear Central Shinkansen in 2027, Shizuoka Prefecture refuses to allow construction to begin.



JR Tokai has announced its intention to abandon the 2027 opening of the Linear Central Shinkansen, for which Shizuoka Prefecture has refused to allow construction to begin, as it had sought at a meeting of national experts.
The company claims that construction in Shizuoka will take about 10 years, and calculates that even if construction could start now, the line would not open until 2034 or later.

The construction of the Linear Central Shinkansen has not been approved by Shizuoka Prefecture due to environmental concerns.

For this reason, JR Tokai had previously expressed the view that it would be difficult to open the line between Shinagawa in Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027 as planned, and in December last year revised the opening date from "2027" to "after 2027".

Against this backdrop, JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa stated at a meeting of experts held at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on 29 December that "we are not in a position to realise the 2027 opening to Nagoya" and announced that the company was abandoning the 2027 opening.

According to the company, this is because six years and four months have passed since the signing of the construction contract without construction work starting in Shizuoka.

The company claims that it is difficult to shorten the construction period and that it will take about 10 years to complete the work in Shizuoka, which means that even if construction were to start immediately, the opening would not take place until 2034 or later.

When interviewed after the meeting, President Niwa said: "We will do our utmost to start construction as soon as possible. We will work earnestly to gain the understanding of the local people, emphasising two-way communication.
JR Tokai President Niwa: "We will do our utmost to start construction of the Shizuoka section as soon as possible.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa said: "Unfortunately, the Shinagawa-Nagoya line will not open in 2027. The delay in starting construction of the Shizuoka section is directly related to the delay in opening the new line, so we will do our utmost to start construction of the Shizuoka section as soon as possible. We will work diligently to gain the understanding of local residents and emphasize two-way communication.
Chief Cabinet Secretary: "We will promote dialogue with local authorities and other measures to improve the environment for an early start of the project.

At a press conference in the afternoon, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said: "We will continue to urge JR Tokai to make efforts for the early opening of the line, and while confirming the status of discussions between JR Tokai and Shizuoka Prefecture, we will promote further dialogue with Shizuoka Prefecture and other relevant local authorities to improve the environment for the early opening of the Shinagawa-Nagoya line.
Gifu Governor Furuta: "I hope you will strive for the early opening of the line".

Governor Furuta of Gifu Prefecture, where the Linear Central Shinkansen will run, said: "Today I received a message from JR Tokai regarding the project plan for the Shizuoka construction zone, and even if construction starts immediately this year, it will take 10 years to open. As a result, the project will be significantly delayed from the original plan of 2027, which is truly regrettable. We hope that the Government of Japan and the Central Japan Railway Company will continue to carefully resolve the issues one by one and aim to open the Shinagawa-Nagoya section at the earliest possible date.

Info translated from Japanese Media. Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/202403 ... 31000.html Accessed: 29 Mar 2024

[Miss Maglev]

JR東海、2027年のリニア開業断念　静岡着工メド立たず
JR Tokai Abandons Opening of Maglev in 2027, No Progress in Shizuoka Construction

On the 29th, JR Tokai revealed its policy to abandon the goal of opening the Tokyo-Shinagawa to Nagoya section of the Linear Central Shinkansen by 2027, which had been the shortest target. Shizuoka Prefecture, concerned about decreased water volume in rivers due to tunnel excavation, opposes construction within the prefecture. With no prospect of starting construction, early opening is deemed difficult.

On the same day, at a meeting held by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to discuss water resources and environmental conservation measures for the Linear Shizuoka Section, JR Tokai presented its stance. At the beginning of the meeting, Toshisuke Niwa, President of JR Tokai, stated, "The delay in the opening to Nagoya is directly related to the Shizuoka section. The opening in 2027 is not feasible, and we cannot foresee a new opening date."

Naofu Sawada, Executive Officer of JR Tokai, commented on the Shizuoka section, saying, "Even considering the excavation results of the Yamanashi and Nagano sections, we cannot shorten the period that was expected in 2017 when the construction contract was signed, and there is a possibility of further delay." The company expects the construction period for the Shizuoka section to be around 10 years, and even if construction were to start in 2024, the opening between Shinagawa and Nagoya would be delayed to at least 2034.

JR Tokai began construction of the Shinagawa-Nagoya section of the Linear in 2014. The Shizuoka section is approximately 8.9 kilometers long, and in 2017, a joint venture between Obayashi Corporation and Sato Kogyo signed a construction contract. In the same year, Governor Katsuhira Kawakatsu of Shizuoka Prefecture expressed concerns about the decrease in the volume of the Oi River due to tunnel construction in the Southern Alps and declared opposition to the construction.

Discussions regarding conservation measures for water resources and ecosystems also prolonged, causing construction delays. In December 2023, JR Tokai applied to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to change the completion date of the construction from "2027" to "after 2027," which was approved. However, even with the approval, construction has not started on the Shizuoka section, and 6 years and 4 months have passed since the construction contract was signed.

The Linear Central Shinkansen is planned to run at a maximum speed of 500 kilometers per hour, connecting Shinagawa to Nagoya in as little as 40 minutes and Shinagawa to Osaka in just over an hour. The total construction cost for the Shinagawa-Nagoya section is approximately 7 trillion yen, a forecast that has not changed at this time. There are concerns that the cost may further increase in the future due to the challenges of difficult construction, which led to an additional 5.5 trillion yen in 2021.

About 90% of the construction on the Shinagawa-Nagoya section has been contracted. With the delay in opening, there is a possibility that construction progress in various areas will be forced to be reconsidered. What seems unavoidable is the impact on municipalities along the route, which position the Linear as a key factor in regional redevelopment. Nagoya City is advancing redevelopment around Nagoya Station based on the assumption of the Linear, and there are growing concerns about the delay in opening in the Kansai region as well, with an opening now projected for 2037.

Hideaki Omura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture and Chairman of the Linear Construction Promotion Alliance, composed of municipalities along the route, stated on the 29th, "Municipalities along the route have been working on various projects with the aim of opening in 2027. It is heartbreaking to see it delayed." Regarding the Shizuoka section, he emphasized, "We hope to find a positive solution and start construction as soon as possible."


Translated Info form Japanese Media. Source: Nikkei https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOFD ... 4A2000000/ Accessed March 29, 2024

[Parrahub1]

As it would only take two years to drive from Sydney to Melbourne with 60 Chinese double shield hardrock TBM it may be better to forget about the greenies in Japan and think about making an overnight container train for Australia to double the income.

[Miss Maglev]

JR東海、2027年のリニア開業断念　静岡着工メド立たず
JR Tokai Abandons Opening of Maglev in 2027, No Progress in Shizuoka Construction

Abandoning Linear Opening in 2027: Minister Saito and Municipalities Along the Route Express Disappointment


Regarding the Linear Central Shinkansen, JR Tokai announced its intention to abandon the planned opening in 2027 for the "Linear Central Shinkansen," for which Shizuoka Prefecture has not approved construction. JR Tokai estimates that construction in Shizuoka will take about 10 years, so even if construction could start immediately, the opening would be in 2034 or later.

Minister Saito of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism expressed his disappointment at today's press conference, stating, "It is very regrettable that the opening goal cannot be achieved," and voices of disappointment have also risen from municipalities along the route.

Concerning the Linear Central Shinkansen, Shizuoka Prefecture has not approved construction, citing concerns about its environmental impact. Consequently, JR Tokai revised the opening time from "2027" to "after 2027" in December last year for the section connecting Tokyo-Shinagawa and Nagoya. However, on March 29, during a meeting of government experts, Toshisuke Niwa, President of JR Tokai, announced the company's intention to abandon the 2027 opening. This is due to the fact that construction has not started in Shizuoka, despite 6 years and 4 months passing since the construction contract was signed.

JR Tokai estimates that it is difficult to shorten the construction period and expects construction in Shizuoka to take about 10 years. Even if construction could start immediately, the opening would be in 2034 or later.

Regarding this matter, Minister Saito stated at a press conference after the cabinet meeting on the 2nd, "The Linear Central Shinkansen serves as one area for the three major metropolitan areas and plays an important role in driving the Japanese economy. It is extremely regrettable that the opening goal for 2027 cannot be achieved due to the Shizuoka section." JR Tokai estimates that construction in Shizuoka will take about 10 years. Even if construction could start immediately, the opening would be in 2034 or later.

In addition, Minister Saito stated, "We will continue to monitor the environmental measures JR Tokai undertakes in the Shizuoka section and encourage dialogue between Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Tokai to expedite the opening as soon as possible, including promoting dialogue to develop the environment."

Regarding the announcement of JR Tokai's intention to abandon the opening of the Linear Central Shinkansen in 2027, Hideaki Omura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture and Chairman of the Construction Promotion Alliance, a group composed of relevant municipalities and economic organizations, expressed, "I think it's extremely regrettable because municipalities along the route have been working on various regional development projects with the aim of opening in 2027." He then stated, "I strongly request that solutions be found based on scientific evidence and discussions, and that construction in the Shizuoka section begin as soon as possible to achieve the earliest possible opening."

Governor Abe stated that he needed a detailed explanation from JR and the government regarding the announcement that JR Tokai would abandon the opening of the Linear Central Shinkansen in 2027, saying, "It's a very serious matter." Regarding the Linear Central Shinkansen, there were plans to open the section connecting Tokyo-Shinagawa and Nagoya in 2027. However, on March 29, Toshisuke Niwa, President of JR Tokai, stated during a meeting of government experts held by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "The opening to Nagoya in 2027 is not feasible," and announced the intention to abandon the opening in 2027. Governor Abe expressed his hope that construction could start as soon as possible in Shizuoka Prefecture, which has not approved construction, saying, "It's a necessary outcome because construction in Shizuoka has been delayed from the start. I strongly hope that construction can be started as soon as possible by Shizuoka Prefecture, JR Tokai, and the government."

Mayor Kinuyo Someya of Shimada City, a municipality in the Oi River Basin, expressed her views on JR Tokai's announcement of the intention to abandon the opening of the Linear Central Shinkansen in 2027, saying at the regular press conference on the 2nd, "It is a very heavy decision. If I were a governor in another prefecture where construction is progressing, it would be natural to hope that Shizuoka Prefecture would engage in realistic discussions and start construction." She then stated, "We have a sense of crisis because we don't understand where the real awareness of the issues lies. We need to have thorough discussions that satisfy the residents of the prefecture and make it clear what needs to be solved by when." She expressed her awareness that this could have a significant impact on town planning and business attraction.

Governor Nagasaki expressed his disappointment to the press about JR Tokai's announcement of the intention to abandon the opening of the Linear Central Shinkansen in 2027, saying, "It's a very regrettable story, but it's a kind of inevitable result since construction in the Shizuoka section has been delayed from the beginning. I strongly hope that Shizuoka Prefecture, JR Tokai, and the government will start construction as soon as possible." In addition, he expressed his intention to seek explanations and share information with Shizuoka Prefecture, which has not approved construction, through the Construction Promotion Alliance, which is composed of prefectures along the route, including Yamanashi Prefecture.


Source: Translated Japanese News from NHK https://www3.nhk.or.jp/lnews/shizuoka/2 ... 23447.html Accessed: April 2, 2024

[latestnews]

Linear Central Shinkansen "Partial construction in Yamanashi and Nagano to be completed in 2031."


JR Tokai has announced that the "Linear Central Shinkansen" under construction will be completed in 2031 for part of the construction in Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures.JR Tokai announced last week that it will abandon its goal of opening the line in 2027, and this is the first time that it has set a construction period beyond 2027.

According to JR Tokai's announcement, the construction of the Linear Central Shinkansen Line, which includes a station in Yamanashi Prefecture and a new Zakouji viaduct in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, is expected to be completed in 2031.

JR Tokai announced last month that it would abandon its goal of opening the line in 2027 because Shizuoka Prefecture has not approved the start of construction and construction work has not been able to begin.

All of the linear line construction projects that have been underway to date have been scheduled for completion within 2027, but this is the first time that a construction period beyond 2027 has been set.

JR Tokai estimates that it will take about 10 years to complete the construction in Shizuoka, and even if construction were to begin immediately, the line would not open until 2034 or later.

Source: Translatedt Japanese Media News: NHK: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/202404 ... 81000.html Accessed April 4, 2024