LDP and JIP look to accelerate talks on Hokuriku Shinkansen extension route

Japan’s two ruling parties are set to speed up talks on selecting a route for the planned extension of the Hokuriku bullet train line.

The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), are hoping to pick one from the eight proposed routes under review within the current parliamentary session and start construction in fiscal 2027, which starts next April.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen line is set to be extended from Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture to Shin-Osaka Station.