1955
71 years ago
InnovationJapan
Tōkaidō Line Electrification Completed
Japanese National Railways
Tokyo
June 26, 1955
Summary
Japan National Railways finishes electrification of the Tōkaidō Main Line between Tokyo and Osaka.
Full Story
Japan National Railways completed the full electrification of the 553 km Tōkaidō Main Line on June 26, 1955, using 1,500 V DC overhead catenary. This engineering feat overcame mountainous terrain and dense urban areas, allowing faster and more frequent limited express trains like the Kodama. It paved the way for the Shinkansen bullet train project launched just nine years later and dramatically boosted postwar economic recovery by improving passenger and freight efficiency between Japan's two largest cities.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- June 26, 1955
- Event Type
- Innovation
- Country
- Japan
- Years Ago
- 71
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