Chizu Express

Chizu Express Company
Native name
智頭急行株式会社
Company typeThird-sector
GenreRail transport
Founded31 May 1986
Headquarters
Japan
Area served
Hyōgo, Okayama and Tottori prefectures
ServicesPassenger railway
Websitewww.chizukyu.co.jp

The Chizu Express Company (智頭急行株式会社, Chizu kyūkō Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese third-sector railway that connects Hyōgo, Okayama and Tottori prefectures. The Chizu Line is not electrified, but is a high-grade railroad, and extends a total of 56.1 kilometres (34.9 mi). The limited expresses Super Hakuto and Super Inaba operate on this line.

Chizu Express Chizu Line

Chizu Express Chizu Line
A Chizu Express HOT7000 series train
Overview
Native name智頭急行智頭線
StatusIn operation
OwnerChizu Express
LocaleHyōgo, Okayama and Tottori prefectures
Termini
Stations14
Service
TypeRegional rail
Operator(s)Chizu Express
Rolling stockHOT7000 series DMU, HOT3500 series DMU, KiHa 187 series DMU
History
Opened3 December 1994
Technical
Line length56.1 km (34.9 mi)
Number of tracksEntire line single tracked
CharacterRural
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Minimum radius260 m
ElectrificationNone
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph)

Some local trains operate through from the JR West Inbi Line (Tottori - Chizu).

Name Japanese Distance (km) Transfers Location
Kamigōri 上郡 0.0 Sanyo Main Line Hyōgo Kamigōri,
Akō District
Kokenawa 苔縄 4.8  
Konohara-Enshin 河野原円心 7.4  
Kuzaki 久崎 12.2   Sayō,
Sayō District
Sayo 佐用 17.2 Kishin Line
Hirafuku 平福 22.5  
Ishii 石井 27.1  
Miyamoto Musashi 宮本武蔵 30.6   Okayama Mimasaka
Ōhara 大原 33.2  
Nishi-Awakura 西粟倉 37.4   Nishiawakura,
Aida District
Awakura-Onsen あわくら温泉 40.6  
Yamasato 山郷 47.2   Tottori Chizu,
Yazu District
Koi-Yamagata 恋山形 50.0  
Chizu 智頭 56.1 Inbi Line
Through service to Tottori on the Inbi Line

History

Construction of the line was approved under the Railway Construction Act in 1922, and commenced by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in June 1966.[1] Work was well advanced when a freeze on expenditure in 1980 resulted in construction being halted with 95% of the route acquired and 93% of the earthworks completed.[1]

The Tottori Prefectural Government facilitated the establishment of the Chizu Express Company in May 1986, which resumed construction.[1]

The line opened on December 3, 1994, and includes the 5,592 m Shitozaka tunnel.[1]

From November 29, 1997, the JR limited express Super Inaba service commenced between Okayama and Tottori.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Terada, Hirokazu (19 January 2013). データブック日本の私鉄 [Databook: Japan's Private Railways] (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. p. 158. ISBN 978-4-7770-1336-4.
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