Shizuoka, JR Tokai Sign Pact to Start Maglev Construction

Shizuoka, July 18 (Jiji Press)–Shizuoka Prefecture and Central Japan Railway Co., known as JR Tokai, on Saturday signed an agreement needed to begin the construction of a section of the Chuo Shinkansen magnetic levitation train line in the central prefecture. Following the conclusion of the natural environment preservation agreement based on a prefectural ordinance, JR Tokai plans to hold briefings for local residents and then start construction work. The completion of the Shizuoka section is expected to take more than 10 years. “The real work begins now,” Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki said at a signing ceremony at the prefectural government office. “We’ll work to dispel the anxiety and concerns of prefectural residents through continuous and permanent monitoring.” JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa said, “We’ll proceed with preparations so that the construction can begin as soon as possible.” Suzuki recently broke a nine-year deadlock by reversing the rejection of the construction of the Shizuoka section by his predecessor, who cited concerns over environmental impacts, such as a possible decrease in water levels in the Oi River in the prefecture. The just-signed agreement includes 28 sets of environmental conservation measures to be taken by JR Tokai, including those to mitigate the impact on water flow in the Oi River and the surrounding natural environment. The agreement also provides for a monitoring system that will be jointly operated by the central and prefectural governments after the start of construction work. In addition, it stipulates that construction work be suspended for investigations into the cause if an unforeseen situation occurs. In March, a prefectural government panel approved the 28 sets of measures proposed by JR Tokai. From May to June, JR Tokai held explanatory meetings for residents of Shizuoka’s namesake capital and 10 municipalities along and near the Oi River. On July 7, Suzuki announced his decision to approve the start of construction. On Saturday, the prefectural government and JR Tokai also signed an agreement on regional economic development, aimed in part at promoting tourism through the use of the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line, which runs through the prefecture. Additionally, JR Tokai exchanged documents with the 10 municipalities in the governor’s presence to confirm the implementation of environmental protection measures. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]