Concept
The Super Tokkyū concept involves building new narrow-gauge lines along the routes of planned Shinkansen lines. All infrastructure would be built to high-speed Shinkansen standards, including its wider loading gauge, 4,000 m radius curves, and total grade separation, with the ability to convert the lines to standard gauge (1,435 mm) in the future. Some reductions in journey times could be achieved using conventional trains running at faster-than-normal speeds (up to 200 km/h according to promotional materials), and total construction expenditure could be spread over a longer period, with travel times gradually reduced as more sections are completed.
The ultimate goal is eventual conversion to standard-gauge Shinkansen track once the entire line is completed, but with gauge change trains (GCTs), it may be possible in the future to upgrade these sections to full Shinkansen specifications even while inter-operation with conventional lines remains in place.
Read more about this topic: Super Tokkyū
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