Maglev’s “2037” Scenario Faces Harsh Reality: Shizuoka Moves Forward, but the Hardest Work Is Still Ahead
The Shizuoka section of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen is finally moving toward groundbreaking after the remaining prefectural issues were cleared, and the article suggests a ceremony could come by around June 2026. That marks real progress for the project’s last untouched 8.9 km gap in the Southern Alps Tunnel.
But the bigger picture is still difficult. The hardest engineering challenge is the Southern Alps Tunnel, where overburden reaches about 1,400 meters. That depth raises the risk of severe ground pressure, rock bursts, and sudden water inflows, making the Shizuoka segment one of the most uncertain parts of the entire line.
The cost picture has worsened sharply as well. Total project cost is described as having risen from about ¥5.5 trillion to roughly ¥11 trillion. Even a 2037 opening for the Shinagawa–Nagoya section is presented as only a conditional scenario that assumes construction proceeds smoothly from here. JR Tokai itself says it cannot yet state a full opening date and acknowledges that the Shizuoka section remains highly difficult and could take even longer.
At the same time, visible progress is being made elsewhere. Work on the Kamanashigawa Bridge in Yamanashi is reported at just over 50% complete, and the planned Kanagawa Prefecture Station near Hashimoto already appears structurally advanced, with its large underground form taking shape.
The bottom line is straightforward: the maglev project has clearly resumed forward motion, but groundbreaking in Shizuoka does not settle the main risks. The unresolved issues are no longer just political. They are now centered on extreme tunnel engineering difficulty, environmental uncertainty, and rising cost pressure.
Info based on: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/article/466872 Accessed 2026-05-07
Maglev’s “2037” Scenario Faces Harsh Reality
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[JP] JR Central President Niwa Suggests Opening Date May Be Announced Before Shizuoka Construction Starts
[JP] JR Central President Niwa Suggests Opening Date May Be Announced Before Shizuoka Construction Starts
Source: FNN
Original title:
リニアの開業時期を示すタイミングについて、JR東海の丹羽俊介 社長は静岡工区の着工前になる可能性を示唆しました。
Date: July 15, 2026
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/1076245
Accessed: July 16, 2026
JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa suggested on July 15 that the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line’s opening date might be announced before construction starts in the Shizuoka section.
Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central are scheduled to sign the Natural Environment Conservation Agreement, a prerequisite for construction, on July 18. At a press conference, Niwa stated they are considering the construction period based on environmental conservation efforts and tunneling results from Yamanashi and Nagano. He said: “[Translated quote] We want to announce the opening date when we have results,” adding: “[Translated quote] As of now, it is undecided which will come first: the start of construction of the Shizuoka section or the announcement of a new opening date.”
JR Central also announced it has resumed boring surveys from the Yamanashi side as a preliminary tunnel construction stage, with entry into Shizuoka expected in about 10 days.
Source: FNN
Original title:
リニアの開業時期を示すタイミングについて、JR東海の丹羽俊介 社長は静岡工区の着工前になる可能性を示唆しました。
Date: July 15, 2026
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/1076245
Accessed: July 16, 2026
JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa suggested on July 15 that the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line’s opening date might be announced before construction starts in the Shizuoka section.
Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central are scheduled to sign the Natural Environment Conservation Agreement, a prerequisite for construction, on July 18. At a press conference, Niwa stated they are considering the construction period based on environmental conservation efforts and tunneling results from Yamanashi and Nagano. He said: “[Translated quote] We want to announce the opening date when we have results,” adding: “[Translated quote] As of now, it is undecided which will come first: the start of construction of the Shizuoka section or the announcement of a new opening date.”
JR Central also announced it has resumed boring surveys from the Yamanashi side as a preliminary tunnel construction stage, with entry into Shizuoka expected in about 10 days.