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JR Central gives up on 2027 maglev launch after Shizuoka backs farmers

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...s-can-devised/

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- Central Japan Railway Co. has given up on launching the maglev line in 2027 after failing to secure approval for preparatory work from Shizuoka’s governor, who is concerned the massive project will damage the environment. — The Shizuoka Prefectural Government on Friday notified JR Central, as the railway is known, that it will not approve the resumption of preparatory work on the ultra-high-speed bullet train project, which will see magnetically levitated trains slash travel times by more than half.

- Under the current plan, JR Central would start excavating an area of Shizuoka running through the Southern Alps to build a tunnel for the maglev line, which would initially link Tokyo and Nagoya. — But local farmers are concerned construction will cause underground water to flow into the tunnel, diverting it away from the Oi River, which passes through a central part of Shizuoka well known for its production of tea and oranges. — Maglev trains will have a top speed of 500 kph, meaning the new line will slash the travel time between Nagoya and Tokyo.

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