1957
69 years ago
InnovationJapan
Tōkaidō Main Line Electrification Completed
Japanese National Railways
Tokyo
July 19, 1957
Summary
Japan completed electrification of the entire Tōkaidō Main Line between Tokyo and Osaka.
Full Story
On July 19, 1957, Japanese National Railways finished electrifying the 553 km Tōkaidō Main Line at 1,500 V DC. This project replaced steam with powerful EF58 and EF15 electric locomotives, slashing journey times for limited expresses like the Tsubame. Overcoming mountainous sections and numerous tunnels required innovative engineering. The upgrade dramatically boosted capacity and reliability on Japan's busiest corridor, setting the stage for the later Shinkansen high-speed network and symbolizing Japan's post-war economic recovery through modern rail infrastructure.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- July 19, 1957
- Event Type
- Innovation
- Country
- Japan
- Years Ago
- 69
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