The first train on a new section of track

In order to eliminate several busy level crossings, construction work at Higashi-Murayama Station to raise the railway will take about a decade to complete. On June the 29th, 2025, the first section of track was just about ready to go, with the start and end sections of the new track being switched over overnight and final adjustments made to the signalling.

I joined the first train with passengers to go over it, leaving Kumegawa Station at 5:10am.

Here's a video of the train making its way up the new section. I particulary enjoyed the reaction of the other passengers, one of whom was the local mayor.

Throughout the morning, several further adjustments were made on the platform.

And quite a few rail fans and locals were keen to get a look of the first few trains making the journey.

All being well, the whole project should be finished in 2029.