A Japanese railway concept where legacy narrow-gauge lines are regauged to standard gauge, allowing high-speed trainsets to run through from dedicated high-speed corridors to conventional destinations. The trains operate at reduced speeds on these upgraded sections due to tighter curves and grade crossings.
Heard on the job
The new service runs as a regular high-speed train before branching off onto the mini-shinkansen route for the final stops.
Related terms
Standard gauge
The universal track gauge measuring 56.5 inches between the rails.
Narrow gauge
A railway track system where the rails are spaced closer together than the standard 56.5 inches.
High-speed rail
A passenger rail network designed for sustained operating speeds well above conventional trains, typically exceeding 150 mph.