[JP] Does JR plan to cancel the Maglev station in Shin-Osaka?

[latestnews]

[JP] JR Central President Niwa: Shin-Osaka Station Construction 'Very Difficult' for Maglev Line
Source: Nikkei
Original title:
JR東海社長、リニア駅候補の新大阪駅は「工事の難度高い」
Date: August 6, 2026, 18:05
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOFD ... 0C2000000/
Accessed: August 6, 2026

At an August 6 press conference, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa stated that constructing the Chuo Shinkansen maglev station at Shin-Osaka would be “[Translated quote] very difficult work.” He added: “[Translated quote] We will exchange opinions and coordinate to find solutions, and deepen discussions on technical issues.”

While Shin-Osaka remains a “promising candidate” due to its Sanyo Shinkansen transfer convenience, Niwa noted: “[Translated quote] Building at an existing operational station is accompanied by considerable difficulties.” The developed area and need for a massive terminal would extend construction time. The planned Hokuriku Shinkansen access further increases difficulty.

Osaka, Mie, and Nara prefectures have requested early full-line opening. Niwa explained that Osaka construction will begin promptly after the Shinagawa–Nagoya section opens, expected after 2036. JR Central aims to shorten the Nagoya–Osaka period by up to eight years using ¥3 trillion in fiscal investment, but Shizuoka delays have pushed back the Nagoya opening, affecting Osaka’s timeline.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura insists “[Translated quote] There is no option other than Shin-Osaka.” Niwa emphasized the project is self-financed as a private company but acknowledged that local government understanding is indispensable for smooth construction.

[latestnews]

[JP] JR Central President Niwa: Aims for Early Nagoya-Osaka Maglev Opening, Construction After Shinagawa-Nagoya
Source: NHK News Web
Original title:
ＪＲ東海社長 リニア「名古屋・大阪間の早期開業を目指す」
Date: August 7, 2026, 05:25
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/nb-2000104743
Accessed: August 7, 2026

At an August 7 press conference in Osaka, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa stated that while the company aims for early opening of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line’s Nagoya–Osaka section, construction will begin only after the preceding Shinagawa–Nagoya section opens.
Niwa explained: “[Translated quote] The station location is not decided, and I cannot state the opening date, but we want to realize the opening to Osaka as soon as possible.” However, considering finances and construction capacity, he reiterated that Nagoya–Osaka construction will follow the Shinagawa–Nagoya opening.