Japan ruling party committee favors Katsuragawa route for Shinkansen extension to Osaka

A key committee within Japan's ruling party has recommended the "Katsuragawa route" as the preferred alignment for the Hokuriku Shinkansen's extension to Osaka. This route, part of the broader "Obama-Kyoto route" originating from Obama City in Fukui Prefecture, would travel via Kyoto Station.

The specific proposal favored by the committee involves a path that passes near Katsuragawa Station, located west of Kyoto Station. This alignment is seen as a crucial decision point in the long-debated extension project, aiming to connect the Hokuriku region more directly with Osaka.

The committee's report, which synthesizes discussions and evaluations of various proposed routes, represents a significant development. The final decision on the Shinkansen's extension is anticipated to have substantial economic and transportation impacts on the regions it will serve, particularly enhancing connectivity between the Hokuriku area and the Kansai region.