Shizuoka Pref. Set to Approve Maglev Construction

Shizuoka, March 28 (Jiji Press)–Shizuoka Prefecture’s special committee has approved environmental conservation measures for a section in the central Japan prefecture of the planned Chuo Shinkansen high-speed magnetic levitation train line. The committee approved all 28 measures proposed by Central Japan Railway Co., or JR Tokai, including those to reduce water consumption, on Thursday. JR Tokai will now begin procedures to obtain consent from related municipalities. “A very big hurdle has been overcome,” Sho Hiraki, vice governor of Shizuoka, told reporters. “Construction could start before the end of the year.” Former Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu had refused to approve the start of construction, citing environmental concerns, including a potential decrease in the flow of the Oi River. However, the current governor, Yasutomo Suzuki, supports the maglev line project and is expected to grant approval. “It is essential (for JR Tokai) to provide explanations to residents and follow legal procedures,” Suzuki said in a statement. “We will continue to ask for sincere action.” JR Tokai said in a separate statement, “We want to start work in the Shizuoka section as soon as possible to enable an early opening.” The Shizuoka section covers 8.9 kilometers in the mountainous area of the city of Shizuoka, the prefecture’s capital. The prefectural government has indicated that JR Tokai’s measures must be approved by the special committee before construction can begin. JR Tokai has abandoned its original goal of opening the Chuo Shinkansen section between Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture, west of Shizuoka, in 2027. The opening is now expected for 2036 at the earliest. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]