On July 31, JR Kyushu announced its outlook for the sections where service has been suspended due to the “Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake.”
On the Kyushu Shinkansen line, service between Hakata and Kumamoto resumed on the morning of the 31st with reduced frequency; however, service remains suspended throughout the day between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. Specifically, it is expected that service between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata will not resume in August.
According to the company, between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata, serious damage—including significant deformation of bridges and rails—has occurred due to (presumed) ground deformation at the intersection of the Hinagu Fault. Although detailed surveys and restoration work are currently underway, repairs are expected to take a considerable amount of time; therefore, service on this section will be suspended for the time being. Meanwhile, regarding the Shin-Minamata to Kagoshima-Chuo section, which is also currently suspended, the company states that it is exploring options for resuming service.
On conventional lines, among the sections where service has been suspended, service on the Kagoshima Main Line between Kumamoto and Uto and on the Misumi Line between Uto and Misumi is scheduled to resume on August 2. On the other hand, service on the Uto–Yatsushiro section of the Kagoshima Main Line, where extensive damage to infrastructure has been confirmed, is expected to remain suspended for the time being, as it is unlikely that service can resume within August, similar to the Shinkansen.
Regarding the temporary transportation service between Uto and Yatsushiro, no specific plans for bus service or other alternatives have been finalized at this time, as the extent of damage to roads and other infrastructure has not yet been assessed and it is difficult to secure buses.
The company says it will provide an updated estimate for the resumption of service sometime in August, once the full extent of the damage has been confirmed.
© Source travel watch