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       KUMAMOTO -- In a bid to partially resume operations on a southwestern Japan train line suspended since torrential rains struck the Kyushu region in July 2020, three train cars have been transported on trailers to the Kumamoto Prefecture town of Asagiri.

       Kumagawa Railroad Co.'s train car is hoisted by cranes. (Photo courtesy of the company)

       Kumagawa Railroad Co., a public-private venture headquartered in the prefectural city of Hitoyoshi, dispatched the cars from the city's Hitoysohi Onsen Station to Asagiri Station about 15 kilometers away ahead of a Nov. 19 test run.

       The local railway company suspended operations across the 24.8-kilometer line traveling from Hitoyoshi Onsen Station to Yunomae Station in the town of Yunomae, after a bridge over the Kuma River that had been a national tangible cultural asset was swept away. Passengers including high school students -- about 80% of its users -- have been awaiting the return of service. On Nov. 28, the company will restart operations on an 18.9-kilometer section between the town of Nishiki's Higonishinomura Station and Yunomae Station.

       The three diesel railcars were manufactured in 2014. Each is about 18 meters long and 32 metric tons, with seats for 110 passengers. After cranes loaded them onto trailers at Hitoyoshi Onsen Station, the cars took an hour and a half down national roads and through residential areas and other places to reach their destination.

       Company's President Yuji Nagae, who oversaw the work, said: "The partial operation is a giant step toward full restoration. We want to proceed with preparations for residents along the line while making safety our highest priority."

       (Japanese original by Hayato Jojima, Kumamoto Bureau)

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