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Test runs start in part of Hokuriku Shinkansen Line set to open in March

TOKYO, Sep 23 (NHK) - Test runs have started in an extended part of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line that is set to open along the Sea of Japan coast next March.

The new section links Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa Prefecture to Tsuruga Station in neighboring Fukui Prefecture. Hokuriku Shinkansen trains now run between Tokyo and Kanazawa.

East Japan Railway's test train named "East i" arrived at Awara-Onsen Station in Fukui Prefecture, around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. JR officials and local representatives welcomed it.

Fukui Governor Sugimoto Tatsuji said, "The Hokuriku Shinkansen has finally come to Fukui Prefecture."

He said the prefecture will do its utmost to prepare for the opening, including improvements in local transportation networks.

JR officials say the "East i" train will run at a slow speed of around 45 kilometers per hour to examine tracks, overhead lines and other facilities and arrive at Tsuruga Station at night.

Test runs are scheduled through December 9. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

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