The trial run of the next segment of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line has commenced, with the opening scheduled for March 16, 2024, this is reported by the railway transport news portal, Railway Supply.

Testing Begins on the Next Phase of the Hokuriku Shinkansen

This 113 km extension, from the current terminus in Kanazawa to Tsurugi in Fukui Prefecture, is being constructed by the Japanese state agency for railway construction, transportation, and technology.

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Construction began in 2012, following the opening of the previous section between Nagano, Toyama, and Kanazawa in March 2015.

Initially slated for this year’s opening, the expansion will now feature intermediate stations in Komatsu, Kagahonson, Awaraonson, Fukui, and Etizen-Takafu.

On September 23, the JRTT company conducted its first trial run on the new route using the JR East inspection train, East-i, composed of five cars and based on the mini-Shinkansen E3 series. The arrival of the first train in Awaraonson was marked by a welcoming ceremony attended by the Fukui Prefecture governor and other local officials.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is jointly operated by JR East and JR West. Long-term plans include extending the Hokuriku Shinkansen through Kyoto Prefecture to Shin-Osaka, but construction for the western section from Tsurugi has not yet begun.

Photos: Kazumiki Miura.

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