TOKYO: Construction on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen maglev line is set to make significant progress after the Shizuoka prefectural government announced Tuesday that it would approve the start of construction on the line’s Shizuoka section, which had been delayed by nearly 10 years.
Central Japan Railway Co (JR Tokai) plans to begin construction by year-end, but the Shizuoka section is considered the “most technically challenging” part of the project, according to an official of the railway company. Overcoming these challenges will be key to achieving the line’s early opening.
“The national government is the most reliable and dependable entity. Securing the national government’s involvement was of the utmost importance,” Shizuoka governor Yasutomo Suzuki said.
He said that securing the national government’s involvement led to the approval of the start of construction, the signing of a compensation agreement with JR Tokai and establishing a monitoring system regarding water resources.
The Shizuoka prefectural government had earlier refused to approve the start of construction due to concerns about the project’s impact on water flow of the Oi River and ecosystem of the Southern Alps.
Regarding the national government’s involvement in the maglev project, which JR Tokai will handle from construction through operation, Suzuki had previously emphasised as a “guarantee for the future”, expressing his belief that the issues that concern Shizuoka Prefecture would continue to be addressed.
Following the Shizuoka prefectural government’s approval of construction, JR Tokai plans to begin work on the Shizuoka section as early as this year.
The Southern Alps Tunnel, part of which is the Shizuoka section, is planned to be a total of about 25km and will involve excavating to a depth of more than 1,000m below the surface of the Southern Alps –where peaks reach altitudes of 3,000m.
This is considered as the most challenging part of the maglev project as the deeper the underground tunnel, the greater the weight of the soil, which increases pressure on the tunnel walls and other structures.
JR Tokai estimates construction on the Shizuoka section will take at least 10 years. Even if work were to begin immediately, the line is not expected to open until 2036.
“If construction were to begin tomorrow, delays could be minimised, but JR Tokai is proceeding cautiously so as not to damage the relationships it has established with the prefecture and local municipalities,” a senior official at the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry said.
He suggested that the company may not rush to start construction. — The Japan News/ANN
