Japan bullet train extension plan under pressure as costs soar

Benefits of project in doubt with price tag seen rising up to $36bn

20240812N Hokuriku shinkansen

The Hokuriku Shinkansen extension is now seen costing up to 5.3 trillion yen, more than double the original forecast. (Photo by Yo Inoue)

HIROFUMI KANEOKA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- With the price tag for an extension to Japan's bullet train network expected to soar, concerns are emerging that the project may fail to pass a cost-benefit test that is one condition for starting construction.

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