The launch of a maglev Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Nagoya is not likely to come to fruition in 2027 should full-scale construction in Shizuoka Prefecture not begin by the end of June, the president of Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) has said.
JR Tokai President Shin Kaneko said during a regular press conference Friday that it will become difficult to start operation of the Superconducting Maglev Chuo Shinkansen in 2027 if construction in the prefecture does not begin next month.
Shizuoka Gov. Heita Kawakatsu has not given the green light for construction to start, saying the water volume of the Oi River could decrease due to tunnel construction through the Southern Alps. Little headway has been made in talks between JR Tokai and the prefecture.
This was the first time Kaneko has referred to the timing of the opening of the line, having previously only commented that a delay in construction of the Shizuoka section could affect the opening of the line.
"We're in an urgent situation regarding the construction process in the Shizuoka section. We need to resume preparations," Kaneko said during the press conference. "As we don't want to postpone the opening date, we've been asking for a meeting with the governor."
As part of efforts to find a breakthrough in the conflict between JR Tokai and the Shizuoka prefectural government, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry set up an advisory committee in April. However, there is not yet any prospect of a resolution at an early date.
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