Construction site opens for new Haneda Airport railway | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News - NHKニュース

Excavation will soon be underway on the new Haneda Airport Access Line.

Deep beneath Tokyo, a massive machine is preparing to carve out the new train lines to meet rising demand from inbound tourism.

Workers for East Japan Railway will start excavating on November 16. The planned line comprises three routes, linking Haneda with the Tokyo Station area, the Shinjuku Station area, and Chiba.

A heavy machine driving a large disc-shaped cutter measuring 11.8 meters in diameter is being prepared for work about 20 meters underground. The company says it will dig about 10 meters per day.

Two routes, serving the Tokyo Station area and Chiba, are scheduled to open in fiscal 2031.

JR East says the journey between the airport and Tokyo Station will take 18 minutes.

The company also says improved access to Haneda Airport will further enhance the airport's functions.

Another new airport line is being planned by rail operator Tokyu Railways.