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Hokuhoku Line
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683 series Hakutaka limited express train at Echigo-Yuzawa Station, July 2005 |
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| Overview | |||
| Locale | Niigata Prefecture | ||
| Termini | Muikamachi Saigata |
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| Stations | 12 | ||
| Operation | |||
| Owner | Hokuetsu Express | ||
| Technical | |||
| Line length | 59.5 km | ||
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm | ||
| Electrification | 1,500 V DC overhead catenary | ||
| Operating speed | 160 km/h | ||
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The Hokuhoku Line (ほくほく線 Hokuhoku-sen) is a Japanese railway line in Niigata Prefecture, between Muikamachi, Minamiuonuma and Saigata, Jōetsu. This is the only railway line Hokuetsu Express (北越急行 Hokuetsu Kyūkō) operates. The construction as Japanese National Railways line begun in 1968, finally completed as the third sector line in 1997.
Unlike most other third sector company lines, the line is steadily making profits. This is because the shortest rail link between Kantō and Hokuriku is to use Jōetsu Shinkansen, stop at Echigo-Yuzawa, and transfer to the Hakutaka express service on the Hokuhoku Line. However, most of these users are expected to use Hokuriku Shinkansen when it expands to Kanazawa in 2014. The maximum speed at service, 160 km/h, is the fastest non shinkansen JR service in the country. Keisei now operates to Narita Airport at 160 km/h also.
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There are three passing loops on the Hokuhoku Line. Each has one bi-directional through road with straight track to allow full line speed.
Between Uonumakyūryō and Misashima in Tōkamachi, Niigata. It is in Akakura tunnel.
Between Tōkamachi and Matsudai in Tōkamachi, Niigata. It is in Yakushitōge tunnel.
Between Matsudai and Hokuhoku-Ōshima in Tōkamachi, Niigata. It is in Nabetaniyama tunnel.