On Asia's Rail Networks: China Reopens "Ghost Stations", Japan Rail's Troubles | CNA Correspondent

Key Concepts

Abandoned high-speed train stations, China's high-speed rail development, debt load, profitability, social benefit vs. asset return, underreported issue, reopening of stations, return on investment, GDP contribution, land acquisition, convenience for commuters, economic recovery, tourism, Japan's Shinkansen, maintenance, aging infrastructure, labor crunch, AI and robotics, superconducting maglev (Chuo Shinkansen), environmental impact concerns, dual system, export challenges.

China's Abandoned High-Speed Train Stations

• Initial Investigation: The investigation began with local media reports of "ghost train stations" in China. Articles highlighted the suspension of high-speed construction in several regions and the existence of 26 decommissioned stations.
• Focus on Chongjo, Hernan Province: The team chose to investigate three stations in Chongjo, Hernan Province, an area with a high number of abandoned stations.
• Scale of China's High-Speed Rail: China's high-speed rail network spans 48,000 km, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. Plans exist to increase speeds to 400 km/h. President Xi Jinping lauded high-speed rail as a success of independent innovation.
• Chongjo's Context: Chongjo, a city of over 12 million, is known as a major iPhone manufacturing hub (Foxconn).
• Observations at Abandoned Stations: One station, covering 3,000 square meters (the size of a football field), was found completely vacant and shut down in 2017, only two years after opening.
• Economic Factors: During the infrastructure spending boom, almost every county planned to connect to the high-speed rail network, exceeding market sustainability. This resulted in wasted investment.
• Debt and Profitability: China's railway operator has accumulated a large debt load. Only seven high-speed rail routes are profitable. In 2023, liabilities grew by 70 billion yuan to 6.2 trillion yuan (approximately $860 billion). Some lines raised prices by up to 20% to address rising costs.
• Government Role: The government needs to consider the social benefit alongside the asset return when making decisions about infrastructure projects.
• Public Reaction: The initial story about ghost train stations generated over 350,000 views and nearly 2,000 comments, indicating it was an underreported issue.

Reopening of Decommissioned Stations

• Unexpected Development: Two months after the initial report, the correspondent received information from a train enthusiast that some decommissioned stations would reopen.
• Reopened Station Visit: A return visit to one of the previously abandoned stations revealed it had reopened, although with limited passengers.
• "Chicken and Egg" Analogy: The reopening strategy is likened to a "chicken and egg" scenario, where infrastructure is built in anticipation of future demand and economic growth. Investment contributes to GDP and is expected to stimulate other economic sectors.
• Cost and Location: Rising costs of land acquisition and integration have led to newer stations being built farther from city centers, making them less convenient for commuters.
• Local Authority Support: Local authorities are willing to contribute to reopening stations, especially in more developed areas.
• Chongjo's Economic Situation: Chongjo faced economic challenges due to the US-China trade war and a housing crisis. In 2022, economic growth was only 1%. In 2023, the city's GDP expanded by 5.7%, beating the national average.
• Hopes for Economic Boost: Reopened train stations are expected to improve connectivity and boost economic activities like tourism.
• Long-Term Profitability: The timeline for high-speed rail lines to become profitable remains unclear, but they have driven China's economic development.

Japan's Shinkansen and Future Innovations

• Maintenance and Safety: Japan's Shinkansen system emphasizes rigorous maintenance. The OE depot in Tokyo employs 160 staff for train inspection every two days. Transport authorities conduct similar inspections every 45 days and detailed examinations every 20 months. Components are thoroughly inspected about once in 40 months or after the Shinkansen has traveled 1.6 million km.
• Labor Shortage and Technology: Due to a shrinking workforce, JR Central is investing in AI and robotics to automate train operations and inspections. A business reform program launched in 2021 aims to cut costs by $550 million over 10-15 years.
• Aging Infrastructure: Aging rail infrastructure requires reinforcement, increasing expenses.
• Maglev (Chuo Shinkansen): Japan is developing the superconducting maglev (Chuo Shinkansen) to connect Tokyo and Osaka in 67 minutes. The train uses magnetic levitation, eliminating friction and enabling speeds of up to 500 km/h (with a record of 603 km/h).
• Delays and Costs: The first phase of maglev operations between Tokyo and Nagoya is delayed to 2034 or later due to environmental concerns. Estimated costs have ballooned to 7.04 trillion yen ($48 billion USD).
• Dual System Rationale: JR Central argues that the maglev is necessary as a dual system to the existing Shinkansen line due to aging infrastructure and potential earthquakes.
• Export Challenges: Japan faces challenges in exporting its Shinkansen technology due to high costs and the need for dedicated tracks. A project in Texas is awaiting approval. US regulation prohibits bringing Shinkansen into Texas.

Conclusion

The video explores the complexities of high-speed rail development in both China and Japan. China's rapid expansion has led to issues of abandoned stations and debt, prompting a reevaluation of investment strategies and a focus on social benefits. Japan, a pioneer in high-speed rail, faces challenges related to aging infrastructure, labor shortages, and competition from other countries. Both countries are pursuing technological innovations, such as AI and maglev trains, to address these challenges and shape the future of transportation.