Shizuoka gov. OKs start of construction for stalled maglev train project

SHIZUOKA, Japan - Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki told the prefectural assembly Tuesday that he will allow Central Japan Railway Co. to begin construction of the Shizuoka section of a new high-speed maglev train line between Tokyo and Nagoya.

The decision marks a major turning point in the prefecture's policy on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project, which had faced delays due to former Gov. Heita Kawakatsu's adamant opposition since 2017 over environmental impact concerns, including possible reduced water flow in the Oi River.