Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Tokai Sign Pact to Begin Maglev Construction

Shizuoka Prefecture and Central Japan Railway Co. signed a natural environment preservation agreement on July 18 that allows JR Tokai to begin construction of a section of the Chuo Shinkansen magnetic levitation line. The signing took place at the prefectural government office.

Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki and JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa attended. The agreement requires JR Tokai to implement 28 sets of environmental conservation measures, including steps to protect water flow in the Oi River and surrounding areas.

Gov. Suzuki said, “The real work begins now. ” The Japan Times reported that the prefecture and JR Tokai also signed a separate agreement on regional economic development aimed at promoting tourism via the Tokaido Shinkansen.

JR Tokai exchanged documents with 10 municipalities confirming the environmental measures. A prefectural panel approved the 28 measures in March. JR Tokai held explanatory meetings for residents of Shizuoka city and 10 municipalities along the Oi River from May to June.

Gov. Suzuki announced his approval of construction on July 7. The agreement provides for a monitoring system run jointly by central and prefectural governments and requires construction to pause for investigation if an unforeseen situation arises.

Completion of the Shizuoka section is expected to take more than 10 years. Gov. Suzuki reversed a nine-year rejection of the project by his predecessor, who had cited possible impacts on Oi River water levels.