Utsunomiya LRT extension approved for 2036 opening

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has approved the extension plan for the Haga-Utsunomiya Light Rail (LRT) in Tochigi Prefecture. The project aims to extend the existing 14.6km line, which currently runs from Utsunomiya Station's east exit to the Haga-Takanazawa Industrial Park, toward the west side of Utsunomiya Station.

The extension will cover a 4.9km stretch from Utsunomiya Station to Konyo 1-chome (Education Center-mae), connecting industrial hubs in the east with urban and administrative centers in the west. The plan includes 12 planned stops, such as JR Utsunomiya Station West Exit, Tochigi Prefectural Office, and Tobu Utsunomiya Station.

The project will utilize a public-ownership, private-operation model with an estimated construction cost of 69.8 billion yen (excluding tax). The operator plans to introduce 14 train sets, each with a capacity of 159 passengers. Service is expected to run at 6-minute intervals during peak hours and 10-minute intervals during off-peak periods. The extension is targeted to begin operations in March 2036, with construction work aimed to start around November 2027.