1965
61 years ago
OpeningJapan
Tōkaidō Shinkansen extends to Osaka
Japanese National Railways
Osaka
June 1, 1965
Summary
Japan's high-speed rail network reached Osaka, completing the original Shinkansen route.
Full Story
On June 1, 1965, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen extended 553 km from Tokyo to Osaka, slashing travel time from seven hours to three hours and twenty minutes. Built by Japanese National Railways under the leadership of engineer Hideo Shima, the line used 25 kV AC electrification and dedicated high-speed rolling stock capable of 210 km/h. The extension cemented the Shinkansen as a model for global high-speed rail and carried over 100 million passengers in its first three years, proving the commercial viability of dedicated passenger corridors.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- June 1, 1965
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- Japan
- Years Ago
- 61
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