Maglev launch to be delayed to 2027

The inauguration of a magnetic levitation train service between Tokyo and Nagoya will be delayed by two years to 2027, Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) announced Wednesday, citing its poor business results.

JR Tokai said it had planned to begin the Linear Motor Car service in 2025 based on the assumption that its sales in the mass transportation business will remain at the same level as in fiscal 2007.

But the operator of the Tokaido Shinkansen Line said it had to revise the plan because of a drop in passenger numbers due to the deteriorating economy and the slim likelihood that sales will rebound soon.

The company said the delay will not affect its plan to export linear Shinkansen technology overseas.

The company aims to start construction for the 5.1-trillion-yen ($55 billion) project linking Tokyo and Nagoya in fiscal 2014 using its own funds.

The maglev service between Tokyo and Osaka is expected to debut in 2045.