Trains back

 June 1, 2014

Rail services resumes in Fukushima after 3 years

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140602_01.html 

In Fukushima Prefecture, railway services have resumed in areas designated as evacuation zones after the 2011 nuclear accident.

The first train run since in about three years was on Sunday between Hirono and Tatsuta stations in Naraha Town on the JR Joban Line.

Railway services for the 8.5-kilometer section were suspended after the accident. Most areas along the section are still designated as evacuation zones, and only daytime entry to these areas is permitted.

But, East Japan Railway decided on the resumption after confirming that radiation levels in the areas no longer pose safety problems as a result of decontamination works on the rail lines, as well as inside and outside of the stations.
On Sunday morning, the first train carrying residents and Naraha Town officials left Iwaki City, where they currently reside.

About 25 minutes after departure, passengers cheered as the train entered areas where train services had been suspended.

The town announced last Thursday that its goal is to allow people to return to their homes some time after next spring. Officials hope the resumption of train services will help speed up reconstruction of the areas.

Mayor Yukiei Matsumoto said he was happy to see people smiling when the train entered the town.

He said the town still has temporary storage for radiation waste, but he hopes the resumption of railway services will help the town's reconstruction. JR East says the train makes 9 round trips each day.

Jun. 1, 2014 - Updated 15:10 UTC