In Japan, governors from 29 prefectures urged Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to provide funding for regional rail lines as closures threaten rural communities and essential infrastructure. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In Japan, governors from 29 prefectures urged Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to provide funding for regional rail lines as closures threaten rural communities and essential infrastructure
Photo Credit: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan

They presented a joint motion emphasizing that regional rail is vital to rural mobility and disaster resilience. The governors warned that shutting even a single route could destabilize entire areas, accelerating depopulation and economic decline.

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Japan’s Railway Future Tied to National Development Goals

The motion called Japan’s rail system “social infrastructure” crucial for both passenger and freight transport. It demanded a long-term strategy to preserve rural lines as part of the country’s development plan.

Governors asked the government to clearly define how rail networks fit into Japan’s future. They also pushed for a framework to support operators financially and to align regional transport with national growth strategies.

Japan’s Local Leaders Demand Action and Support

The officials urged more aid for regional efforts to revive and promote secondary lines. They also requested government assistance in reopening partially closed lines and halting premature closure debates that undermine public trust.

Governors Morikazu Abe (Nagano), Shinji Hirai (Tottori), Hidehiko Yuzaki (Hiroshima), and Tsugumasa Muraoka (Yamaguchi) presented the motion to the prime minister, emphasizing the risk of losing essential transport links.

Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged the urgency, stating, “Railways are only worthwhile if they are interconnected.” He promised to create a forum with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to address concerns in partnership with local leaders.

This appeal reflects broader concerns about demographic shifts and urban migration. Sustaining Japan’s regional lines remains a key test for balancing economic efficiency with social responsibility.

Source: www.railjournal.com

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