Outline

The Sotetsu-JR link line project is to construct a 2.7 km of connecting line from Nishiya of Sotetsu line and Yokohama Hazawa of JR East’s Tokaido freight line.

The link line enables to operate through service between the two lines.

The Sotetsu-Tokyu link line project is to construct a 10 km of connecting line from Yokohama Hazawa of JR East’s Tokaido freight line and Hiyoshi of Tokyu line.

Passengers on the Sotetsu line for Tokyo once used to transfer at Yokohama to other Tokyo-bound lines such as JR East and Tokyu.
Thanks to the new links, Sotetsu train can directly go onto Tokyo-bound lines without transfer and thus mobility of the people along the Sotetsu line is drastically improved.
Another feature of the Sotetsu-Tokyu link line is ‘connection to Shin-Yokohama station’ which is a major gateway for the city of Yokohama on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

This project is based on “the Act on Enhancement of Convenience of Urban Railways, etc.” The aim of this project is to increase the convenience of the targeted railway lines.
In this development scheme, rail infrastructure is constructed and owned by public entity, while trains are operated by railway companies.

Route Map and Main Construction Sections

Inauguration of Sotetsu-JR Link Line

Test train run

Prior to the operation of through services for Sotetsu and JR East line, test train run was performed.

Ceremony for the formal completion

Ceremony for the formal completion was held at Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai station in 25th November 2019.

After inauguration

Sotetsu-JR link line started formally its through service on 30th November 2019 and contributes to the development of areas along the line.

Overview of the Section

Sotetsu-JR Link Line

Construction area Nishiya station of Sotetsu line to Yokohama Hazawa station of JR East's Tokaido freight line
Operating area Ebina, Shonandai - Nishiya - Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai - Shinjuku of JR East
Construction length 2.7 km
Builder JRTT
Operator Sagami Railway Co., Ltd.
Frequency of train operation (one way) Morning rush hour: 4 services/hour
Other: 2 - 3 services/hour

Sotetsu-Tokyu Link Line

Construction area Yokohama Hazawa of JR East’s freight line
Operation area Ebina, Shonandai of Sotetsu line - Nishiya - Hazawa Yokohama-Kokudai - Hiyoshi of Tokyu line - Shibuya and Meguro
Construction length 10.0 km
Builder JRTT
Operator Sagami Railway Co., Ltd. and Tokyu Railways Co., Ltd.
Frequency of train operation (one way) Morning rush hour: 10 - 14 services/hour
Other: 4 - 6 services/hour

Benefits by the new line

Benefits to Local Communities

Connection from western Yokohama and central Kanagawa to Tokyo will be convenient.

The opening of the Eastern Kanagawa Rail Link makes closer from western Yokohama and central Kanagawa to Shin-Yokohama station and Tokyo.

Reduction of the number of transfers

Direct connection to Tokyo reduces the number of transfers at intermediate stations, thus enables more comfortable and more convenient travel.

Access to Shinkansen improves

Access to Shin-Yokohama station on the Tokaido Shinkansen will be significantly improved.

Formation of a wide area railway network

Formation of a new railway network strengthens and stimulates regional cooperation, contributing to further development of areas along the lines.