Hokkaido Bullet Train Extension Delayed Until 2038

Hokkaido Bullet Train Extension Faces Eight-Year Delay, Impacting Local Growth. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Hokkaido bullet train extension to Sapporo now lags until 2038, upsetting communities. Thus, towns along the route fear stalled growth and economic setbacks.

Hokkaido Bullet Train Extension Setback Shocks Local Leaders

Governor Naomichi Suzuki calls the delay unacceptable and plans an urgent government request. He aims to address the impact and seek solutions in April.

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JR Hokkaido, the operator managing the rail line, also faces pressure from this setback. President Yasuyuki Watanuki promises to review schedules and business challenges swiftly.

Economic Fallout from Hokkaido Bullet Train Extension Delay

Local economies pin hopes on the rail link to boost tourism and commerce. A Hokuto worker says a six-year versus 14-year wait changes everything. “Predicting effects on our population and economy proves tough,” he notes. Meanwhile, a hotel and commercial project near Hokuto’s station stalled last autumn.

Hokkaido’s rural towns bank on the Shinkansen to attract visitors and halt decline. Yet, rising costs in Sapporo force JR Hokkaido to rethink station redevelopment plans. Hotel Monterey Sapporo closed in 2022 and scrapped its reopening after renovations. For instance, Kutchan’s tourism head pushes for an earlier partial launch to help.

The delay disrupts Hokkaido’s vision for revitalization, especially in Yakumo and Hokuto. Communities now face uncertainty over projects tied to the rail’s economic promise. Governor Suzuki may request funds to speed construction and ease the blow. However, experts cite geological issues and budget limits as ongoing hurdles.

JR Hokkaido explores options to maintain investor trust despite the timeline shift. Residents and leaders adapt to this delay, seeking ways to protect development goals. The Shinkansen remains key to Hokkaido’s future, so stakeholders press on. Determination drives them to overcome obstacles and secure progress.

Source: asia.nikkei.com

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