Japan’s Super High-Speed Maglev Rail expected to run in 500km/h between Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027 made a big step toward construction start. Transport Minister Akihiro Ota approved the environmental impact assessment on July 18 that the project’s owner, Central Japan Railway had submitted earlier under eight conditions including reuse of surplus soil produced by excavation. Followed by a final authorization of the construction plan by the minister, the railway company intends to break the ground this fall.

The written opinion on the assessment filed by the ministry demands eight actions to Central Japan Railway such as impact mitigation on environment with latest tunneling technology, cooperation with relevant local governments and bodies, thorough reach out to the communities, and recycle of waste soil.

90% of the 286km stretch will be constructed underground, producing surplus soil as much as 56.8 million m3. Treatment of the soil is considered the top priority to advance the project. While JR Tokai will use 20% of the projected amount for its own construction works, most of the remaining soil is expected to deliver to municipalities along the route and private businesses, Minister Ota said to reporters. (2014/07/22)