JAPAN: Sotetsu Holdings is making progress with a ¥16·4bn programme of investment in its Sagami Railway network west of Yokohama and is investing ¥600m in its bus operations.
Nine eight-car Series 21000 EMUs are being delivered for use on through services to Meguro in Tokyo via the new connection between Nishiwa and Shin-Yokohama and Tokyu’s Meguro Line. The first three sets are expected to enter traffic this year and the full service will begin in 2023.
The station building at Ebina is being rebuilt, as this station provides an important interchange between the Sotetsu Main Line, the Odakyu network and the Sagami Line. As part of the work, the number of ticket barriers is to be increased, while platform screen doors are also to be installed.
Platform doors are being installed at all stations on the Sotetsu Main Line, in conjunction with local authorities and the national government. By the end of 2021 work had been completed at 11 stations, with a further seven to be equipped.
The company plans to put 2·1 km of the Sotetsu Main Line near Tsurugamine station underground to eliminate a number of level crossings and ease road traffic congestion. Meanwhile, ballast replacement is underway on several sections of the line.
