Isumi Railway in Chiba Prefecture, which has suspended all of its lines due to a derailment accident, has announced its intention to resume operations on some sections by autumn 2027.
Eight months after the accident
On October 4 (Fri), 2024, a two-car train bound for Kazusa-Nakano Station from Ohara Station started making strange noises and shaking while traveling after leaving Kuniyoshi Station. When the driver checked, he found that six of the eight axles had derailed. No one was injured, but the accident caused the entire Isumi Railway Line to be closed, and buses are currently used to replace the line.
In parallel with the investigation into the cause of the accident by the National Transportation Safety Board, Isumi Railway has been repairing aging facilities along the entire line, including the accident site. In addition, in cooperation with relevant organizations with specialized knowledge, such as JR East, we have been thoroughly examining measures to ensure safety.
Chiba prefecture is open to support
In light of this, the company has set a target of resuming operations for the busiest section between Ohara Station and Otaki Station by autumn 2027 at the latest. The cost of restoration is expected to be around 1.45 billion yen, including the cost of substitute transportation, and the prefecture and the cities and towns along the line, which are the company’s investors, have been asked to support the necessary expenses.
Governor Toshihito Kumagai stated on his X (formerly Twitter) that “Both Isumi City and Otaki Town along the line have expressed their intention to support the restoration. As a prefecture, we believe that it is important for the local people to restore the railway as a safe and secure service as soon as possible, and we will work closely with the cities and towns to thoroughly consider the costs required for restoration.” Regarding the remaining section between Otaki Station and Kazusa-Nakano Station, Isumi Railway will continue to investigate the restoration costs and period.
