MLIT Proposes Route-Neutral Environmental Assessment for Kyushu Shinkansen to Saga Prefecture
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has proposed conducting an environmental impact assessment for the Kyushu Shinkansen without immediately deciding on the specific route. This proposal was presented by Vice-Minister Satoshi Mizushima to Saga Prefecture Governor Yoshiyoshi Yamaguchi during a private meeting in Tokyo on April 16, 2026. The central issue remains the unresolved route between Takeo Onsen and Shintosuma. While the national government insists on a full-standard line passing through Saga Station, Governor Yamaguchi advocates for considering alternative routes south of the station to better connect with Saga Airport and the Ariake Sea coastal road. Governor Yamaguchi did not reject the proposal, stating that the possibility is being explored, but emphasized that proceeding with an assessment does not equate to accepting the full-standard plan. He highlighted that resolving the significant financial burden on Saga Prefecture is a prerequisite for any final agreement. Both parties agreed to continue discussions after the May holidays, aiming to make necessary decisions in time for the next fiscal year's budget requests. This development marks a potential shift in strategy to break the long-standing deadlock over the western Kyushu high-speed rail project.
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MLIT Proposes Route-Neutral Environmental Assessment for Kyushu Shinkansen to Saga Prefecture
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has proposed conducting an environmental impact assessment for the Kyushu Shinkansen without immediately deciding on the specific route. This proposal was presented by Vice-Minister Satoshi Mizushima to Saga Prefecture Governor Yoshiyoshi Yamaguchi during a private meeting in Tokyo on April 16, 2026. The central issue remains the unresolved route between Takeo Onsen and Shintosuma. While the national government insists on a full-standard line passing through Saga Station, Governor Yamaguchi advocates for considering alternative routes south of the station to better connect with Saga Airport and the Ariake Sea coastal road. Governor Yamaguchi did not reject the proposal, stating that the possibility is being explored, but emphasized that proceeding with an assessment does not equate to accepting the full-standard plan. He highlighted that resolving the significant financial burden on Saga Prefecture is a prerequisite for any final agreement. Both parties agreed to continue discussions after the May holidays, aiming to make necessary decisions in time for the next fiscal year's budget requests. This development marks a potential shift in strategy to break the long-standing deadlock over the western Kyushu high-speed rail project.
asahi