Image Credits: South China Morning Post
In the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck the Kanto region at approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, Shinkansen bullet train services have been temporarily suspended between Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station and Shizuoka Station. The suspension, announced by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai), is a precautionary measure in response to the seismic event.
The magnitude-5.3 earthquake, which had its epicenter in western Kanagawa Prefecture, caused significant tremors throughout the Kanto region, including Tokyo. The earthquake’s intensity reached lower 5 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 in western Kanagawa, prompting immediate safety checks on the Shinkansen lines. The decision to halt operations was made to ensure the safety of passengers and to assess potential damage to the rail infrastructure.
JR Tokai is currently conducting thorough inspections of the tracks and associated facilities to determine any impact caused by the quake. These checks are critical to ensuring that no damage has compromised the safety of the high-speed rail network. The company has not yet provided an estimated timeline for the resumption of services, but updates are expected as the situation is evaluated.
The suspension of Shinkansen services is expected to cause significant disruptions to travel plans, as the route between Shinagawa and Shizuoka is a key corridor connecting major cities in the region. Travelers are advised to check the latest information from JR Tokai and consider alternative transportation options while the inspections are underway.
JR Tokai has emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and is working diligently to resume normal operations as soon as possible. The company is also coordinating with local authorities and emergency services to address any immediate concerns arising from the earthquake.
As the situation develops, JR Tokai will continue to provide updates on the status of the Shinkansen services and any other impacts related to the earthquake. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to exercise patience as safety measures are implemented.