Regarding JR Tokai's decision to abandon the opening of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in 2027 due to Shizuoka Prefecture not allowing construction to begin, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Saito stated, ``It is very unfortunate that we will not be able to achieve our opening goal,'' and stated that we will not be able to start construction as soon as possible. We have expressed our intention to encourage dialogue between Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Tokai in preparation for the opening of the facility.
Regarding the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, Shizuoka Prefecture has not approved the start of construction due to concerns about the impact on the environment.
On the 29th of last month, JR Tokai announced that it had abandoned its goal of opening in 2027, citing the inability to begin construction in the Shizuoka construction area.
Regarding this, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Saito said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 2nd, ``The Linear Chuo Shinkansen has important significance, including the three metropolitan areas as one area and driving the Japanese economy. It is extremely unfortunate that we will not be able to achieve our opening goal of 2027."
JR Tokai says construction in Shizuoka will take about 10 years, and even if construction could start now, it would not open until 2034.
Minister Saito then stated, ``We will continue to check the status of environmental measures taken by JR Tokai in the Shizuoka construction area, and encourage dialogue between Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Tokai.'' He expressed his intention to improve the environment.