[JP] Maglev Construction Cost Increase Beyond ¥11 Trillion?
Posted: 4. Nov 2026, 18:30
[JP] JR Central Considers Further Maglev Construction Cost Increase Beyond ¥11 Trillion
Source: Kyodo News / Livedoor News
Original title:
【独自】リニア工事費再び増額へ JR東海、11兆円から
Date: November 4, 2026, 23:47 JST
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/32733398/
Accessed: November 4, 2026
JR Central is considering another increase in the estimated construction cost of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line between Shinagawa and Nagoya, exceeding the current projection of ¥11 trillion.
The revision would be the third cost increase since construction began in 2014, coming only about one year after the previous increase in October 2025. Rising material prices and labor costs are driving the additional financial burden.
The existing ¥11 trillion estimate already represents twice the original construction budget. JR Central is reassessing costs while preparing a revised opening schedule. The new estimate could be announced before the end of 2026.
Following Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki's approval of construction in July, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa had indicated that a revised opening date for the Shinagawa–Nagoya section would be presented by year-end. However, this announcement may now be postponed until 2027.
Construction in the Shizuoka section is also not expected to begin before March 2027. Contractor Taisei Corporation received a business suspension order from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in connection with a bid-rigging case involving the maglev project.
The further cost increase and delayed construction schedule add to the challenges facing the Chuo Shinkansen project.
Source: Kyodo News / Livedoor News
Original title:
【独自】リニア工事費再び増額へ JR東海、11兆円から
Date: November 4, 2026, 23:47 JST
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/32733398/
Accessed: November 4, 2026
JR Central is considering another increase in the estimated construction cost of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line between Shinagawa and Nagoya, exceeding the current projection of ¥11 trillion.
The revision would be the third cost increase since construction began in 2014, coming only about one year after the previous increase in October 2025. Rising material prices and labor costs are driving the additional financial burden.
The existing ¥11 trillion estimate already represents twice the original construction budget. JR Central is reassessing costs while preparing a revised opening schedule. The new estimate could be announced before the end of 2026.
Following Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki's approval of construction in July, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa had indicated that a revised opening date for the Shinagawa–Nagoya section would be presented by year-end. However, this announcement may now be postponed until 2027.
Construction in the Shizuoka section is also not expected to begin before March 2027. Contractor Taisei Corporation received a business suspension order from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in connection with a bid-rigging case involving the maglev project.
The further cost increase and delayed construction schedule add to the challenges facing the Chuo Shinkansen project.