Muroran Main Line

Muroran Main Line
A KiHa 183 series DMU on a Hokuto limited express service
Overview
Owner JR Hokkaido
LocaleHokkaido
Termini
Stations44 (main line)
5 (branch line)
Service
TypeRegional rail
History
Opened1892
Technical
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
ElectrificationAC 20 KV 50 Hz with Overhead catenary (Higashi-Muroran to Numanohata, and Muroran to Higashi-Muroran branch)
Route map

The Muroran Main Line (室蘭本線, Muroran Honsen) is a railway line in Hokkaido operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido), between Oshamambe Station in Oshamambe and Iwamizawa Station in Iwamizawa, approximately paralleling the coast of Iburi Subprefecture. There also is a branch line within Muroran, between Higashi-muroran and Muroran Station.

The 28.7 km (17.8 mi) section between Shiraoi and Numanohata is the longest straight railway section in Japan.[citation needed]

On 19 November 2016, JR Hokkaido's president announced plans to rationalise the network by up to 1,237 km, or ~50% of the current network,[1] including the proposed conversion to Third Sector operation of the Tomakomai–Iwamizawa section of the Muroran Main Line. However, if local governments do not come up with an agreement, the section may face closure.

  1. ^ "JR Hokkaido says it can't maintain half of its railways". 2013-05-10.