Hiroshima JR elevation project faces decade delay and massive cost increase

The JR line elevation project in eastern Hiroshima, spanning 5.1 kilometers from Fuchu Town to Kaita Town, faces significant delays and cost increases. Due to rising construction material costs, the project budget has surged from 91.5 billion yen to 168.5 billion yen. Consequently, the expected completion date has been pushed back by ten years, from fiscal year 2038 to 2048.

During a prefectural assembly meeting, members expressed concerns regarding the massive budget increase. Some legislators called for a complete review of the plan, questioning whether the scale of the project remains justifiable. Prefectural officials responded by stating they would manage budget allocations to ensure other public works projects are not negatively impacted while working toward timely completion.