- Jōetsu Shinkansen
Infobox rail line
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name = Jōetsu Shinkansen
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caption = Jōetsu Shinkansen bilevel E1 series train
type =Shinkansen
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locale =Japan
start = Tokyo
end = Niigata
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open =15 November 1982
close =
owner =JR East
operator =
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depot = Niigata
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gauge = 1,435 mm
el = 25 kV AC, overhead catenary
speed = 240 km/h
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map_state = showThe nihongo|Jōetsu Shinkansen|上越 新幹線 is a high-speed railway line connectingTokyo and Niigata,Japan , via theTōhoku Shinkansen , operated by theEast Japan Railway Company .The program was initiated in 1971 by Niigata-born prime minister
Tanaka Kakuei . Trial runs over the line began in November 1980, reaching a record 210 km/h in 1981. Regular service began on15 November 1982 . The line was initially planned to terminate atShinjuku Station , but economic considerations pushed JNR to merge the line with the existingTōhoku Shinkansen line at Ōmiya.In September 1991, a
400 Series Shinkansen train set a speed record of 345 km/h on the Jōetsu Shinkansen line, and in December 1993, the STAR21 experimental train managed 425 km/h. The maximum speed for regular services on the line is currently 240 km/h.Trains and services
* "Toki" (200 Series)
* "Max Toki" (E1 Series, E4 Series)
* "Tanigawa" (200 Series) - Commenced October 1997
* "Max Tanigawa" (E1 Series, E4 Series) - Commenced October 1997Discontinued services
* "Asahi" - Discontinued December 2002
* "Max Asahi" - Discontinued December 2002tations
There is also a 1.8 km spur from Echigo-Yuzawa to
Gala-Yuzawa Station , which is used in the winter months to bring passengers to a nearby ski resort.
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