Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen
High-speed railway line in Japan / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Japanese: 西九州新幹線, romanized: Nishi Kyūshū Shinkansen, lit. 'West Kyushu Shinkansen') is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed rail line on the northwest part of Kyushu Island that is operated by the Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu). A segment of the line that connects Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen commenced service on 23 September 2022.[1][2] The line runs parallel to the existing Nagasaki Main Line and has a total length of 66 kilometers (41 mi), making it the shortest high-speed Shinkansen railway line in Japan in terms of length.
Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen | |||
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Overview | |||
Native name | 西九州新幹線 | ||
Owner | JRTT | ||
Locale | Kyushu (Saga and Nagasaki Prefectures) | ||
Termini |
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Stations | 5 | ||
Color on map | Pink (#EF59A1) | ||
Service | |||
Type | High-speed rail | ||
System | Shinkansen | ||
Services | Kamome | ||
Operator(s) | JR Kyushu | ||
Depot(s) | Omura | ||
Rolling stock | N700S-8000 series | ||
History | |||
Opened |
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Technical | |||
Line length | 66.0 km (41.0 mi) | ||
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge | ||
Minimum radius | 4,000 m (2.5 mi; 13,000 ft) | ||
Electrification | 25 kV 60 Hz AC overhead catenary | ||
Operating speed | 260 km/h (162 mph) | ||
Signalling | Cab signalling | ||
Train protection system | KS-ATC | ||
Maximum incline | 3.0% | ||
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The entire line is envisioned to connect Hakata to Nagasaki, and potentially become an extension of the San'yō Shinkansen in Honshu.[3] However, as of 2022, the route of the segment east of Takeo-Onsen to Hakata via Saga has yet to be determined, with construction yet to commence.[4] It remains unclear when the entire line will be completed.[5] For the foreseeable future, the Relay Kamome limited express service will continue to provide a connection to Hakata.